In an effort to "accelerate the infractions process," the NCAA implemented a new system in 2023. It was a worthy goal -- NCAA cases often dragged on for years through an elaborate and expensive maze of hearings.

Among the new features was a bifurcation process that allowed some parties in a case to simply resolve the charges and begin dealing with any penalties rather than get left in limbo as a full adjudication played out. The school, for example, can admit guilt, but individuals involved get a separate case. Or vice versa.

It allowed UCLA, in 2024, to quickly negotiate a resolution after being charged with two relatively minor Level II violations involving its women's cross country and track programs.

The penalty was so light -- a $5,000 fine and a few recruiting restrictions -- it w

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