Fresno City basketball hit with ‘serious’ sanctions after committing multiple violations

The Fresno City College men’s basketball program was handed “extremely serious” sanctions after an investigation concluded that the Rams committed multiple violations.

Fresno City administration informed players Tuesday that the program will be banned from the postseason for the next two seasons and have a slight reduction of games in the coming seasons.

The program, which had been headed by longtime coach Ed Madec, also will be forced to forfeit all wins and return awards recorded from 2016-2019.

In addition, the college will be placed on a four-year probation because of the men’s basketball program.

Fresno City — which has 23 teams in 20 sports and includes roughly 480 student-athletes — plans to appeal the sanctions.

The sanctions were imposed by the California Community College Athletic Association and the Central Valley Conference.

“Fresno City College has been cooperating with the CCCAA, however it adamantly objects to punishing student-athletes who played no part in consciously violating the CCCAA bylaws,” Fresno City Athletic Director Derrick Johnson said in a statement.

“All of us at Fresno City College have been working with the CCCAA and the student-athletes of the men’s basketball program to keep them informed of the situation and we intend to submit appeals for those athletes adversely impacted by the CCCAA’s eligibility decisions.”

List of violations

The sanctions were issued Aug. 6 after an investigation determined Fresno City committed violations that were detailed in a letter Johnson sent to players.

The investigation concluded that Fresno City was:

• Providing, securing, obtaining or offering at a less than fair market value of housing for Fresno City men’s basketball players
• Providing excessive team meals, which were given both during the season and the offseason
• Providing apparel in excess and used for impermissible benefits
• Providing impermissible snacks
• Not cooperating with an investigation

“The violations and sanctions imposed are extremely serious in nature and will have a grave effect on the past, future, and current status of the men’s basketball program,” Johnson said in his letter to players.

Johnson, who has more than 15 years of athletic administration experience, took over as Fresno City’s athletic director in July.

Coach remains on paid leave

Madec, who headed the Fresno City men’s basketball program for the past 14 seasons, could not be reached Friday for comment.

He was removed as coach and placed on paid administrative leave in February with one regular-season game remaining. The removal coincided with Fresno City being investigated for possible violations of CCCAA regulations.

Madec tried to rejoin the Rams for the postseason but lost his bid after a Fresno County judge did not rule in his favor.

Ryan Griffith, Madec’s lawyer who also once played for the coach, said Madec remains on paid leave from the community college.

Griffith questioned the findings of the investigation and said the State Center Community College District, which conducted at least portions of the investigation, has been bullying Madec.

Griffith also questioned why the investigation has taking so long considering that it started in November 2018.

“I am extremely upset by what the District is doing and I know numerous other players, parents, and community members feel the same way,” Griffith said. “I already have over 20 former players and parents that want to appeal the decision and I expect many more to come forward.”

The Rams, according to retired Fresno City College sports publicist Woody Wilk, enjoyed an unprecedented stretch of success under Madec, winning 85% of their games (397-70) and capturing two state titles (2007 and 2012).

Fresno City’s two-year postseason ban will be applied to the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. It is unclear if the ban would be rolled over to future seasons if the upcoming season is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rams also will have a reduction of two games for both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

Fresno City must forfeit wins from the fiscal years of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

This story was originally published September 5, 2020 at 5:00 AM.