Las Vegas, NV – The NCAA has issued an eight-year show-cause order against Las Vegas Raiders’ coach Antonio Pierce due to serious violations that took place while he was an assistant coach at Arizona State University (ASU). The announcement came on Thursday, detailing how Pierce played a significant role in orchestrating numerous infractions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCAA’s report describes a coordinated effort led by Pierce to bypass restrictions put in place during this period. Specific violations included facilitating impermissible recruiting contacts with 35 prospects, which involved tryouts, tours of football facilities, and other forms of entertainment. Moreover, it was revealed that Pierce directed one of his assistants to tamper with a player from another institution and met with prospects during a designated recruiting dead period.
According to the findings, Pierce was labeled as the “ringleader” of these recruiting violations. Should an NCAA school hire him during this eight-year show-cause order, which lasts until October 2, 2032, he would face a suspension for the first season and would be barred from contacting any of the program’s coaches or players in that time.
The NCAA noted that during the investigation, Pierce provided “false or misleading information” and was reluctant to share his financial records. One particular ASU staff member informed the NCAA that Pierce did not seem concerned about the potential penalties because of what he deemed as his financial security.
Furthermore, the report indicated that Pierce used his position to pressure staff into compliance with his orders, often making threats related to job security. Another individual implicated in the violations, former ASU football analyst Anthony Garnett, received a five-year show-cause order, during which he too would face similar restrictions if hired elsewhere.
Additionally, the investigation also mentioned Regina Jackson, a former booster and mother of current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who helped facilitate impermissible campus visits. Daniels, who transferred from ASU to LSU after the 2021 season, went on to win the Heisman Trophy in 2023.
Earlier in April, the NCAA placed ASU on four years of probation and imposed various penalties, including vacated games involving ineligible players and wrestling restrictions. Pierce initially joined ASU in December 2017 and was promoted to associate head coach in February 2020 but resigned in 2022, shortly before being hired by the Raiders. Pierce was appointed as the Raiders’ interim coach in October 2023 and later offered the job permanently in January.
As of now, the Raiders have not provided any comment on the situation.
