Here in Texas, I'm sure everyone felt that Oklahoma should've got more punishment than they did over their infractions involving three football players who were paid 17K for work they never did. The NCAA committee that dishes out the 'punishment' is a joke.
Do I think OU should've got more? No. Honestly, I thought the Sooners were going to get hammered. Still, forfeiting all their wins from 2005 is a bit absurd. Here's an interesting scenario from a staff writer at foxsports.com about the situation.
OU has been on the ropes for the last three or four years regarding several of their sports programs. Kelvin Sampson jumped ship to Indiana, leaving the basketball team with problems after he and his staff illegally called recruits almost 600 times.
Both the men's and women's gymnastics teams also have had recent infractions against them by the NCAA.
Is personnel in the Sooner athletic department so busy that they can't keep an eye on what kids are doing? People get paid a lot of money to keep an eye on potential pitfalls for student athletes. These kids already get preferential treatment...I've seen it with my own eyes. Yes, I'm an OU alum and die hard Sooner.
I've seen football players booze it up with WWE announcer 'Cowboy' Jim Ross. Hell, he even bought me a shot, too! Restaurant owners and managers have handed food out with no money ever exchanged, saying "Keep up the good work, if there's anything you need, just come back and see me." I remember it like it was yesterday.
College athletes at places like (enter your alma mater here) are treated like stars. Don't kid yourself, these random acts of kindness happen at EVERY school. I'm glad OU stepped up and took responsibility. If not, their penalty would be much worse.
Michael Penix
CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip |
COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post here
