Why did the NCAA suspend former Cowboys rushing champion DeMarco Murray?

On Tuesday, the NCAA announced several recruiting violations across the University of Oklahoma’s football program. Former Dallas Cowboys running back and NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray, was among those found to have been involved in the violations.

What did DeMarco Murray do to get suspended by the NCAA?

Murray is now the running backs coach for OU, and the NCAA announced that he will be suspended for one game of the 2024 season. His part in the infractions was found to be impermissible contact with 17 prospects and their families during a 16-month period. In that time, Murray made 65 phone calls and 36 text messages.

“The University discovered the violations through its monitoring systems and investigated, reported, and addressed the matters promptly and appropriately,” a statement from Oklahoma University read. “The violations in question were limited to the actions of a coach who is no longer employed by the University and a current assistant coach. OU worked with the NCAA to manage the review and reach a conclusion, and penalties imposed by the University are already in effect.”

According to the NCAA’s statement on the matter, Murray said he was “not aware that a COVID-19 waiver of recruiting contract rules had expired.” However, it also stated that the rule changes had been relayed to the coaches ahead of time.

OU plays their first game on Saturday, August 31 against Temple, though it’s not yet known for which game Murray will be suspended.

Murray played Football with Oklahoma University and remains the university’s leader in all-time purpose yards (6,718), receiving yards for a running back (1,571), kickoff return average (27.6), and touchdowns (65). He was drafted by the Cowboys in 2011 and played in Dallas for four years, winning Offensive Player of the Year, an All-Pro selection, and the NFL rushing title in his last year there (2014). He also logged two of his three Pro Bowls during his time with the Cowboys.