Las Vegas – In a significant development for the Raiders organization, head coach Antonio Pierce has been hit with a broad-reaching punishment from the NCAA. The governing body has issued an eight-year “show cause” order, which means that for the next eight years, any collegiate program attempting to hire Pierce will need to demonstrate why they should not face sanctions. This decision isolates Pierce from moving into the college coaching realm anytime soon.
The NCAA’s ruling stems from violations that occurred during Pierce’s time with the Arizona State football program. The violations were linked to a recruiting scheme that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic’s dead period, which lasted around one year. During this period, Pierce and other staff members hosted unofficial school visits for potential recruits, which included impermissible activities such as tryouts and facility tours over 15 weekends.
According to the NCAA, Pierce was responsible for providing free meals, apparel, airfare, and lodging to a group of 27 high school prospects. Furthermore, it was noted by several coaching staff members that Pierce was viewed as the primary authority within the program, with some indicating they feared for their job security if they didn’t follow his instructions.
The NCAA also highlighted that Pierce did not cooperate with their investigation, frequently denying any involvement in the planning or execution of the recruiting visits. Pierce had a four-year run with Arizona State before joining the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 2022. He eventually became the interim head coach before being elevated to the full-time head coaching position.
As the fallout from this ruling unfolds, the Raiders will have to navigate this situation carefully as they continue their preparations for the upcoming NFL season.
