FAYETTEVILLE — Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at the University of Arkansas is closed for at least three years, the university and the fraternity’s national headquarters confirm.

On Oct. 18 the university’s office of student accountability received a report the chapter “engaged in hazing behaviors, including those that involved the physical injury of its members, in violation of the Code of Student Life,” says a letter from the university’s division of student affairs to the fraternity chapter’s president.

“As part of the comprehensive investigation into these allegations, which was conducted collaboratively with the Phi Gamma Delta national organization, additional serious allegations regarding the use of alcohol in the recruitment pledging process were reported, including underage consumption, purchasing alcohol through chapter funds, and alcohol use associated with new member activities.”

The national organization of the fraternity concurred with the university’s findings, documents show.

“On November 21, 2024, the Archons of Phi Gamma Delta conducted a trial of the Phi Alpha Chapter following allegations of violations of Fraternity laws and policies,” says a Dec. 3 letter to the local chapter from the fraternity’s Lexington, Ky., headquarters. “Both the Archons and the University of Arkansas imposed a temporary suspension on October 25, 2024.”

“The Archons unanimously found the Chapter guilty of all charges,” the fraternity organization’s letter says.

“In determining an appropriate sanction, the Archons considered the severity of the charges, the recent conduct history of the Chapter, testimony of Chapter officers and graduates, and considerations with the University,” the headquarters letter says. “Their decision was to permanently suspend the charter of the Phi Alpha Chapter effective immediately, closing the Chapter. This means that all chapter activities must cease immediately and indefinitely.”

The local chapter may apply for reinstatement after three years, the university’s notifications say, but reinstatement after that time will require approval from the national fraternity.

“Additionally, the Phi Alpha chapter house will be closed to non-residents immediately,” the national fraternity’s letter says. “Brothers living in the chapter house will be required to vacate no later than Friday December 13. The University of Arkansas will provide additional information for residents of the house, including alternative housing arrangements for the spring 2025 academic term.”

“You are no longer authorized to initiate members, nor are you authorized to use any of the names of the Fraternity (Phi Gamma Delta, Fiji, Phi Gam) in association with group activities or events.

“Any brothers who violate these terms could be subject to expulsion from the Fraternity and/or litigation for trademark violations.” The national fraternity’s letter is signed by Rob Caudill, executive director.

Local fraternity chapter members were informed of the university’s and the fraternity’s decision at a meeting Tuesday evening, according to a letter dated that day from the university to parents and guardians of local chapter members. Phi Gamma Delta national members joined the meeting by remote access, the letter to parents says. Local alumni members of the chapter were also present, according to the letter.

“Members were informed that after investigating allegations of Violations of Fraternal laws and policies, and after a hearing in front of fraternity officials, the fraternity officers accepted responsibility for the charges,” the letter to parents says. “The fraternity officials determined that the appropriate sanction was to suspend the charter of the Phi Alpha Chapter, effectively closing the Chapter for, at minimum, three years.”

The Phi Gamma Delta chapter at UA was sanctioned in 2021 for hazing, according to a university disciplinary letter at the time.

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Memphis football has flipped another recruit from Arkansas.

The Tigers signed defensive back Shannon Blair during Wednesday’s national signing day. Blair, a junior college transfer from East Mississippi Community College, had been committed to Arkansas for months but announced he was decommitting on Tuesday night.

Blair is a Knoxville native who began his college career at Tennessee before transferring to EMCC. He had 42 tackles and five interceptions at EMCC.

He also had offers from Michigan State and SMU. Blair is the only recruit from Tennessee that Memphis has signed so far on Wednesday.

Both of Memphis’ starting cornerbacks in 2024 — Kobee Minor and Davion Ross — are out of eligibility. That means there will be opportunities up for grabs heading into 2025, and Blair figures to have a shot at claiming one of those spots.

Where Shannon Blair ranks according to 247Sports

Blair is rated as a three-star recruit in the 247Sports Composite. He’s the No. 22 juco player and the No. 3 cornerback.

He’s the second recruit to flip from Arkansas to Memphis this week after defensive tackle JaQuentin Madison flipped ahead of signing day.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

It’s that time of the year, everyone. High school football games kicked off throughout the state of Arkansas Nov. 29 and there was plenty of great action taking place.

The No. 1 team in the Natural State remains Bryant then followed by Greenwood followed by Conway, which suffered their first loss of the season a few weeks ago, and then Little Rock Parkview.

Here’s the complete breakdown of Arkansas’ elite high school football teams, heading into the 2024 AAA state championships, as we see it.

Senior quarterback Jordan Walker has been arguably the state’s top passer all season long, completing 108-of-180 passes for 2,145 yards, 36 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Onto the state final round for the Hornets.

Nobody has played better under center in the state of Arkansas than Kane Archer of Greenwood. The quarterback has thrown for 3,559 yards, a ridiculous 54 touchdowns and just one mere interception. Archer might have an argument when it comes to Player of the Year, regardless of state.

Since a Sep. 20th loss to Lee’s Summit North, Bentonville has won nine straight games. The latest victory was an impressive 36-34 win over Conway (see below).

Parkview’s lone loss of the season is a 30-10 decision to No. 1 team in Bryant. The Patriots continued in the playoffs with a 44-14 win over Valley View last week.

The Wampus Cats don’t drop too far in our rankings after what could be labeled a surprising, 36-34, loss to Bentonville.

This Pulaski Academy team’s only three losses have come against Bryant (twice) and Conway. Both of those clubs are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in these rankings. The Bruins season came to a close after a 41-7 loss to Bryant last week.

Griffin Mason has proven himself as one of the state’s top running backs this season, carrying the rock 259 times for 1,626 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. Now they will face off against No.2-ranked Greenwood on Saturday.

Another week and another Elks’ win to remain undefeated. Elkins rolled to a 45-31 victory over Malvern last week in the third round of the playoffs. Now they’ll take on Mills University Studies this week.

The Panthers offense has shown up all season long, but it would be its defense not being able to slow down Shiloh Christian last week. Benton’s season ended with a 45-32 loss.

It was an offensive explosion last week for Farmington when they upended Hot Springs Lakeside in a 59-55 thriller.

The Comets just keep winning and their latest victory was a 47-40 decision over Warren last week.

The Badgers made their way back into the rankings after winning nine straight games, including two shutouts. Only two losses have come to Camden Fairview and Lake Hamilton.

Valley View’s season has come to a close after a 44-14 loss to Little Rock Parkview last week.

We leave Hot Springs Lakeside right where they’re at after a heartbreaking 59-55 loss to Farmington last week.

The Lions pulling off a 33-29 upset win over Prescott a few weeks ago vaulted them into our rankings last week. Bismarck finished the regular season at 10-0 and continued its winning ways last week with a 28-17 victory over Seminole.

The Southerners just keep on finding ways to win and did so once again last week in a 24-7 loss to Monticello.

Dardanelle made its debut in the rankings a few weeks ago, but its season came to a close last Friday in a 35-27 loss to Arkadelphia. .

The Bombers ever since losing 37-13 to Shiloh Christian have responded with a five-game winning streak. Wins have come over Russellville, Siloam Springs, Lake Hamilton and Van Buren. Mountain Home’s win streak ended in a 42-0 loss to No. 2 Greenwood.

The Rockets suffered their first loss of the season against a very good Benton team, 42-0. Catholic season ended with a 42-14 loss to Mountain Home.

Tyson Bradden has done a nice job taking care of the football and producing plenty of points. The senior has thrown for over 1,400 yards and 20-plus touchdown passes this season. Robinson’s season ended with a 21-17 loss Lakeside.

The Bulldogs’ season ended with a 39-32 loss to Pulaski Academy.

Rogers bounced back from a loss to Fayetteville a few weeks ago with three straight victories to end the regular season and into the playoffs.

Back to back losses to Greenwood and Mountain Home had us dropping Lake Hamilton down the ranks a bit. Lake Hamilton came up with a big win over Jonesboro, 41-27, to open the postseason. Lake Hamilton lost to Benton, 57-14.

Yes, the Wolverines have eight losses to their name this season, but were able to pickup an impressive 38-22 victory over Little Rock Christian last week. Bentonville West lost to Bentonville last week, 53-28.

Putting together a very tough regular season schedule had paid off for the Panthers. Cabot’s season ended with a 43-0 loss to Bryant.

Be sure to Bookmark High School on SI for all of the latest high school football news.

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— Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveark