Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kelvin Sampson

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Kelvin Sampson.

Kelvin Sampson is an American college basketball coach, currently the head coach for the University of Houston. He has achieved considerable success throughout his career, marked by leading multiple programs to national prominence and NCAA Tournament appearances. His coaching career includes stints at Washington State, Oklahoma, and Indiana. While at Oklahoma, Sampson led the Sooners to the NCAA Final Four in 2002. His career has faced scrutiny, including an NCAA investigation and subsequent penalties during his time at Indiana. Since taking over the Houston program in 2014, Sampson has rebuilt the Cougars into a national powerhouse, leading them to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Final Four run in 2021.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1996: Show-cause Effectively Prevented Sampson from Coaching

The show-cause order against Kelvin Sampson was similar to an incident that happened to Todd Bozeman, who was slapped with an eight-year show-cause order in 1996.

2006: Todd Bozeman unable to find work

Todd Bozeman was slapped with an eight-year show-cause order in 1996 and was unable to find work in the college ranks again until 2006.

May 24, 2007: End of NCAA ban on recruiting

On May 24, 2007, the NCAA ban on Kelvin Sampson from recruiting off campus and making phone calls ended.

October 2007: Scrutiny for impermissible phone calls

In October 2007, Kelvin Sampson came under scrutiny for making impermissible phone calls as coach at Indiana University, violating NCAA sanctions.

2007: NCAA Rules Violation Begin

In 2007, the NCAA rules regarding sending text messages to recruits began to be violated by Kelvin Sampson, leading to allegations of serious NCAA violations.

February 8, 2008: NCAA alleges rules violations

On February 8, 2008, the NCAA informed Indiana University that Kelvin Sampson had committed five "major" rules violations.

February 14, 2008: ESPN Reports on Sampson's Coaching Status

On February 14, 2008, ESPN reported that Kelvin Sampson's status as coach of the Indiana Hoosiers would be decided on a "game-by-game basis" amid the ongoing investigation.

February 22, 2008: Resignation from Indiana University due to NCAA violations

On February 22, 2008, Kelvin Sampson was forced to resign from Indiana University due to allegations of serious NCAA violations related to sending text messages to recruits.

November 25, 2008: NCAA Issues Probation and Show-Cause Order

On November 25, 2008, the NCAA issued Indiana University three years' probation and imposed a five-year show-cause order on Kelvin Sampson due to violations during his tenure.

December 2008: Drug use allegations

In December 2008, Eric Gordon raised issues of drug use on the Indiana team, stating that some players were abusing drugs, and that Sampson tried to stop it.

2013: Show-cause Effectively Prevented Sampson from Coaching

On November 25, 2008, the NCAA issued Indiana University three years' probation and imposed a five-year show-cause order on Kelvin Sampson due to violations during his tenure. Show-cause order effectively prevented Sampson from coaching at the major-college level until 2013.