Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kelvin Sampson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 19, 2026

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

Kelvin Sampson is an American college basketball coach. He is currently the head coach for the University of Houston Cougars.

Sections (5)

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

1996: Todd Bozeman's Show-Cause Order

In 1996, Todd Bozeman was given an eight-year show-cause order which prevented him from finding work in the college ranks until 2006; a similar situation was faced by Kelvin Sampson.

2006: Todd Bozeman Returns to College Ranks

In 2006, Todd Bozeman was able to find work in the college ranks again after being slapped with an eight-year show-cause order in 1996; a similar situation was faced by Kelvin Sampson.

May 24, 2007: NCAA Recruiting Sanctions

On May 24, 2007, the NCAA barred Kelvin Sampson from recruiting off campus and making phone calls for one year due to over 550 impermissible calls made by him and his staff to recruits.

October 2007: Impermissible Phone Calls at Indiana

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

2007: NCAA rules violations

In 2007, Sampson commited NCAA rules violations by sending text messages to recruits, which ultimately led to his resignation in 2008.

February 8, 2008: NCAA Rules Violations

On February 8, 2008, the NCAA informed Indiana that Kelvin Sampson had committed five "major" rules violations related to telephone recruiting restrictions.

February 14, 2008: Sampson's Status Evaluated

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

February 22, 2008: Resignation Due to NCAA Violations

On February 22, 2008, Kelvin Sampson was forced to resign as head coach at Indiana University due to allegations of NCAA violations, which included sending text messages to recruits.

November 25, 2008: NCAA Probation for Indiana

On November 25, 2008, the NCAA issued Indiana three years' probation for violations largely tied to Kelvin Sampson's watch, and imposed a five-year show-cause order on Sampson.

December 2008: Allegations of Drug Use on Indiana Team

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