Today, the America’s Cup Jury announced that one Team USA sailor, our primary wing trimmer, and two shore crew have been excluded from further participation in the 34th America’s Cup.  This penalty was assessed because of a rules breach occurring in early 2012, well over a year ago, involving modifications to the team's AC45 yachts, not the larger AC72 yachts that will be used in the America's Cup.

The Jury has also penalized the team by deducting two races from Team USA in upcoming the 34th America’s Cup.  That means Team USA will have to win 11 races to win the America's Cup while Team New Zealand will only have to win nine races.

"The rules infractions involved only a few of our 130 team members, and were done without the knowledge of either our team's management or the skippers who were driving the boats," said team CEO Russell Coutts.  "While we disagree with the unprecedented penalties imposed by the Jury, we have no choice but to make the necessary changes to personnel on our race boat and do our best to use the next four days for the new team to practice and get ready for the start of the 34th America's Cup."

-- From Oracle Team USA
 

Additional Links and Info:
Official Jury Notice Board
Read ACEA Press Release  (Sept 3)