Dana O'Neil and Chris Low of ESPN.com are reporting the NCAA is investigating the Tennessee Volunteer men's basketball program.  The investigation is reportedly centered around possible "excessive phone calls" and the "use of unauthorized phones to contact recruits."  According to the report, the NCAA has already talked with head coach Bruce Pearl, and assistant coach Tony Jones.

Sounds a bit Kelvin Sampson-ish to me.

Hat Tip: btcoop71

UPDATE: Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl is being penalized by UT for lying to the NCAA.  According to The Tennessean, Pearl "provided false and misleading information to the NCAA when questioned about potential violations."

Some of the self-imposed punishment Tennessee has saddled the basketball program with:

• Financial penalties for Pearl and three of his assistant coaches.  Basically, all of the coaches have had their salaries reduced by 25%.  In addition, Pearl loses a $500,000 retention bonus.
• No off-campus recruiting for Pearl and all three of his full-time assistants for a period of one year.
• A reduction in official on-campus visits from 12 to 9.
• A reduction of off-campus recruiting opportunities from 130 to 104 (Although, with no coaches allowed on the road to recruit, I don't know who will be able to use the 104 opportunities).

For the full report, go here.