COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri took the next step in the process of appealing overly-harsh sanctions imposed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Committee on Infractions by filing its 64-page appeals brief with the organization's Appeals Committee Monday afternoon.

"We believe that the penalties our programs received were a clear abuse of the Committee's discretion based upon existing NCAA bylaws. Our staff and legal team have worked tirelessly to research and develop a well-written appeal that accurately reflects our position," said Mizzou Director of Athletics Jim Sterk . "We look forward to having the opportunity to meet face to face with the NCAA Appeals Committee later this year, and it is our sincere hope that at the end of this process, the penalties assessed are consistent with the nature of the violations and take into account our swift response."

In its appeals brief, the University argues the following:

The penalties handed down were contrary to NCAA case precedent;

They were not supported, or appropriate, given the nature of the violations;

They could have a chilling effect on future NCAA enforcement processes.

The NCAA Committee on Infractions now has 30 days to respond to Mizzou's appeal, and following that, an in-person hearing date will be established for Mizzou to appear before the NCAA Appeals Committee.

"A message is sent to the membership every time the NCAA Committee on Infractions adjudicates cases. In this instance, the message is loud and clear that neither proactive self-reporting nor exemplary cooperation is of any value to the committee. I am shocked this is the message the NCAA wants to send to its membership in today's climate," Sterk said.

On Jan. 31, the NCAA's Committee on Infractions imposed severe penalties on Mizzou's football, baseball and softball programs in the form of postseason bans, as well as scholarship and recruiting restrictions. The sweeping sanctions were completely unexpected because the violations resulted from the actions made by a single, rogue, part-time employee who acted on her own. The university self-reported the incident as soon as officials became aware.

"As the university prepared its vigorous response to these unfair penalties, the spirits of our student-athletes have been buoyed by the widespread support of our students, alumni, university supporters and our elected officials in Jefferson City and in Washington D.C. That unified support has been most gratifying for all of us associated with this great institution," Sterk said. "We will continue to work diligently to make this situation right for our student-athletes, coaches and fans who are impacted by these penalties as they now stand."