pumpfake

I was reading a bit on RR yesterday and the UK fans are pounding their chests about being above board. Now, I understand this is typical fan behavior but some of their reasoning is laughable. My favorite is that only the other schools have to cheat (presumably out of desperation) trying to keep up with Cal's prowess. Wow.

One aspect about improper benefits is this: the top players know who's getting money and where it's coming from. My memory is failing me but I remember an interview (likely Mark Montieth) with a former IU player from the glory years talking about players from other teams asking him "how much did you get?" and them not believing him when he said nothing. In those years coaches and boosters gave out the sugar and it evolved into shoe companies and sports agents.

Hmmmmm. Now this could grow legs.

I guess one thing I'm not certain of is what info beyond evidence for prosecution would the NCAA be privy to? Would (will) the feds provide incidental info that pertains to NCAA violation? I'd love for as much investigation and information be shared so that as many cheaters as possible can be punished. From reading around the internet, it seems some think that the FBI is going to delve deep into NCAA violations and I'm not sure that is the case.

I think one thing to bear in mind is that the FBI is concerned with investigating federal criminal activity (obviously). They probably aren't concerned with simply stopping recruiting corruption. Any additional info that comes from their investigation and prosecution will need to be addressed by the NCAA.

I'm not so sure Tom Crean would accept that job. It would be priceless to see him turn them down.

Fred might want to check on Georgia Southern's availability that day. UL basketball might be swinging from a rope by then.

Man, I have to feel our chances with Romeo have to be really good now. Logically, we should be an odds on favorite - if it was a two-way battle between us and UL, I don't see how another school immediately steps into it with the same odds. Of course, it's never over until it's over and things can change, but you gotta feel cautiously optimistic.

If the FBI uncovers records of payments to players, and these are substantial sums of money, won't those players be in jeopardy of being charged with tax evasion (or at least failure to report income)?

I'd imagine there'll be a lot of singing 'canaries' and soon.

Indeed. I think we've all felt suspicious about NCAA basketball for a while. Those that have been skirting the rules need to be ferreted out and punished - no matter who they are or what school they're associated with.

NCAA: There's corruption among our basketball institutions but we don't know what to do. FBI: Hold my beer.

...and when they do (investigate) they do it poorly.

Probably just Dakich trying to create a controversy out of thin air.

Well, I'll be angry as hell too. But I've seen nothing to indicated that Crean was willing to stoop to such tactics.

I'd be very surprised if these tactics were exclusive to Adidas.

Obviously this will have to play out, but as someone mentioned earlier, this is Big, REALLY BIG. It would seem that if this is true, the NCAA is going to have to react in a major way. Schools like UL should be very concerned that they may get the 'death penalty". (If not for this, then what would it take?)

I've suspected this for quite a while. It never has made sense to me how beholden some players are to certain brands and schools. Just too many instances of players making abrupt commitments to BIG name programs. As for our program, I recall Crean making vague comments about not playing certain 'games' in the recruiting process - I suspect he didn't go in for these shenanigans and was angry because we lost out to others that did.

Heck, if he needs a tie-breaker he look no further than the two courts. We have a beautiful and iconic setting while Vandy has that stupid layout with the benches behind the basket (honestly, who does that?) vbg

Obviously Trendon is a great prospect and it appears we are high on his list. I'm very impressed with the interview with Ernest - he and Mrs. Watford seem to have a really great family. The fact that Archie didn't come off as hyper (i.e. CTC), but rather laid back, is one reason I think our recruiting is seeing (and will continue to see) tremendous improvement.

^^^ Hmmmmm. I guess we'll know soon enough.

Well, that rumor about the girlfriend is sure to get the PU cluster chanting "Boiler Up" (iuPUi). LOL

I'd have to say that OSU got a solid coach and it's a good thing they have a big budget. They're still paying Matta for 2 or 3 years, Holtmann has a decent buyout and if they had to make a second run at him with a bigger check it's probably not chicken feed.

This is where I am on the issue. While you certainly don't want a mass exodus of players when a coaching change is made, just because the existing players are talented doesn't mean they are a good fit for the new system. Bryant has definite flaws and strengths and he's the one guy that could possibly retard the transition to CAM's style the most. Like "O" said, get the young guys some experience so they can improve and become proficient in playing the way Archie wants his team to - this should be the best thing for us long term.