About the investigation

Predator Pipeline is a four-part series that exposes how college athletes can lose their NCAA eligibility in numerous ways, but sexual assault is not one of them. Even when facing or convicted of criminal charges, even when suspended or expelled from school, NCAA rules allow them to transfer elsewhere and keep playing.

A yearlong investigation by the USA TODAY Network identified at least 28 current and former athletes since 2014 who transferred to NCAA schools despite being administratively disciplined for a sexual offense at another college. It found an additional five who continued playing after being convicted or disciplined for such offenses through the courts.

Many coaches are eager to recruit them.

The result? A pipeline that college athletes disciplined for sexual assault use regularly to resurrect their playing careers and leave sanctions behind.