True crime is my favorite genre, whether it be TV, books, or personal experience (just kidding!). So I know a thing or two about investigations. This is what happens:

Criminal: I didn't do it.

Cop: We think you did…we're going to be watching you over the next few weeks.

Criminal becomes paranoid/might turn himself in over the next few weeks. In the meantime, cops process DNA. If criminal turns himself in, case closed. If he doesn't, cop calls him in for a second interview:

Cop: We found your DNA at the scene. Can you explain why your DNA was at the scene?

Criminal: You didn't find my DNA.

Cop (*pulls out test results*): Look, we found your DNA.

Criminal finally caves in. Admits to the crime and becomes completely compliant thinking that showing a "human side" will reduce their sentence come judgment day. Criminal accepts fate, and is just grateful the cop doesn't know about the 20 bodies over State lines.

Well, the Oregon Ducks are that criminal.

How many times did we hear the AD says they didn't do anything wrong?

Now?

"We did something wrong, but we're going to show our human side and 'self report' the violations."

Via:

“We are in constructive negotiations with the NCAA on the draft of their proposed findings.”

This, folks, is a plea bargain. The Ducks are just glad the NCAA doesn't have the manpower or desire to investigate the 20 bodies across State lines, also known as the drug issues, memorabilia issues, and 1/5th of the basketball team. So in American justice terms, we're probably looking at 20 years to life instead of the death penalty. My guess is they will have to vacate wins (possibly the Rose Bowl victory) and face minor scholarship reductions. Moving forward, I don't think they'll get hit with any bowl bans.