The UNC academic scandal investigation began with a football player’s tweet about popping bottles in Miami

Austin’s tweet was simply quoting the rapper, but it opened the floodgates. The NCAA investigated whether Austin was hanging out in the Miami nightclub while also looking into whether players were receiving other benefits. UNC soon launched its own investigation a month later into academic infractions.

In short, the investigations included looking into players’ social media accounts, text messages, and emails. As the investigations went deeper and deeper, UNC soon found players were using tutors to write papers for some of the football players. In 2011, the NCAA announced it found several academic violations, later leading to the firing of football coach Wade Davis.

As the investigation continued, the “bogus” African studies course was revealed. It was alleged that over 3,100 students took the classes, with nearly half of that total being student-athletes.

Austin was eventually kicked off the football team while two other UNC football players were suspended for receiving illegal benefits and initially making false statements during the investigations.

The NCAA had closed the case after imposing sanctions on UNC, but reopened it in 2014 after a former UNC basketball player alleged that he had other people write papers for him.

However, after over three years, the NCAA announced Friday that it could not conclude academic fraud at UNC, as the NCAA allows schools to decide whether academic fraud occurred. Ultimately, UNC said the academic scandal fell short of its standards but did not constitute academic fraud.

Austin went on to play four years in the NFL, but has not played since 2014.