The NCAA responded to criticism from the University of Tennessee with a public statement, an action it rarely takes during an ongoing investigation.

The NCAA is investigating allegations that UT broke rules involving name, image and likeness benefits of athletes. It has not issued a notice of allegations, but UT Chancellor Donde Plowman released a scathing letter she sent NCAA President Charlie Baker about the probe.

On Wednesday, the NCAA released a lengthy statement about the UT investigation:

"While the NCAA generally does not comment on specific infractions cases, it is important to remember that NCAA member schools and conferences not only make the rules but routinely call for greater enforcement of those rules and holding violators accountable. In recent years, this has been especially true as it relates to establishing and enforcing a consistent set of national rules intended to manage the name, image and likeness environment.

"This legal action would exacerbate what our members themselves have frequently described as a 'wild west' atmosphere, further tilting competitive imbalance among schools in neighboring states, and diminishing protections for student-athletes from potential exploitation. The NCAA remains firmly committed to protecting and expanding student-athletes’ NIL rights and opportunities. However, our membership has steadfastly supported the prohibition on impermissible recruiting contacts, booster involvement in recruiting prospects and the use of NIL offers as recruiting inducements."

This story will be updated.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: NCAA statement on Tennessee NIL investigation comes after criticism