3.07.2009

The Rulebook: What Happens When Coaches Follow It? Or Ignore it?

The NCAA rulebook might be the only place where you find more rules than the Constitution. Trying to regulate the entire world of college sports is no easy task, but some have felt in recent years that the organization's regulations are sometimes bordering on absurd, but nonetheless the pressure and importance of complying is stressed higher than ever before. One wrong move can put acareer, whether it be a coach's or player's, in double jeopardy. This week I found two blogs that are perfect examples of what happens when coaches do, or do not, follow NCAA or University regulations. The first blog addresses the NCAA punishment for Florida State University which involved one of the worst cheating scandals in history (It affected 61 athletes and 10 sports). The second tells the tale of the Oklahoma University’s basketball coach Jeff Capel and how by following his school’s self imposed regulations, he is able to enjoy, and keep, the success of his team (The fourth ranked OU is looking to grab a #1 seed in the this year’s tournament). Ultimately this also shows that sometimes the punishment doesn't always fit the crime. Either way, rules are rules.
(Click on the title to link to the blog and comment)

Thank you for pointing out the ever present inconsistency of the NCAA and its endless amount of regulations, most importantly the absurdity of “vacated wins.” The fact that this organization wants to play God with the record books never ceases to amaze me. Erasing from the records, or even changing the “W” to an “L” doesn’t not change history; It merely changes ink on the page. A similar issue comes to mind involving a former player from my current university (USC). There had been accusation of Reggie Bush accepting gifts from an agent while still attending USC. Years later there is still no clear conclusion or action taken, but several punishments had been in consideration if any of the allegations were ever prove true. These included taking away his Heisman Trophy and any titles the Trojans might have won with Bush’s help. Like the FSU case (Shamed FSU Coach Bobby Bowden, pictured left), winning records and team national titles were earned and that can not be altered. Though possibly a note indicating that violations occurred during this time may be would be appropriate, I think it is unreasonable to take anything such as winning records or team titles away (Is it fair to “throw the baby out with the bath water” and punish the rest of the team who played fairly?). In the end, it doesn’t change history. Even taking away his Heisman Trophy dose not change the fact that he won it or that the allegation did not affect his sportsmanship or ability to win such an award (Such as with the recent steroid scandal in the MLB). Though I would see 6 bronze trophies instead of 7 when I walk into Heritage Hall, everyone would still remember that he was the best player in college football that year and more than likely his jersey number would stay retired. After all, OJ Simpson’s did.

Ultimately what would you suggest to the NCAA that would truly be a punishment besides trying to change the record books? And how can we regulate 'the regulators' when they seem to be contradicting themselves? Also, which is more of a ‘sin’ in the sports world? Violating academic integrity issues or accepting gifts from agents prematurely?
(Click on the title to link to the blog and comment)

This story is a great demonstration of how a relationship forged between a future and coach a player can be much more than just about personal gain, but the fact that were able to do it without crossing any boundaries or breaking any university rules (As done by the previous coach) makes this an even more appealing read. Though, due to scandals throughout the years, regulations for recruiting are obviously necessary it sometimes makes it difficult to truly get to know a coach or a player on a more personal level-something which is important when it comes to team chemistry and coaching styles matching with playing styles. Getting to know the player you are recruiting is not only important for the team statistics but for everyone’s well being (Both so the player can know how to help the team and so the team can know how to help the player develop as soon as they walk into the gymnasium). I applaud Capel and Griffen for achieving this while still sticking honestly to the regulations. Though some may see text messaging as “loop hole” the bare naked truth is that they not break a single regulation. Now Oklahoma is not only enjoying the success of this, but are able to revel in it without looking over their shoulder such as Florida State must be doing now with its recent academic violations. After looking at that story and shaking my head in dismay about the blatant disregard for the rules (Even if NCAA seems to have almost too many of them), I was encouraged to see a Coach accomplish his goal (Recruiting and subesquently signing Blake Griffen, pictured right) without crossing any boundaries. If the Oklahoma program were to win the NCAA Men’s Tournament, they can do it with the knowledge they won fair and square. If only we could say the same for the entire Florida State Athletic Department. My question to you is do feel OU’s coach should be rewarded for not breaking the University regulation on phone calls by lessening the restrictions? Should Capel now be allowed to call players at his will?

1 comment:

  1. Your post offers intriguing information and compelling questions. It is really interesting to read about the NCAA scandals from someone who has a strong opinion and knows a great deal about the subject matter. I have to admit that I am not even close to as knowledgeable about sports as you seem to be, and I definitely do not have as great of an understanding. For these reasons, I have come to really respect the writings and insights you offer on your blog. I thoroughly appreciate the recap you gave in the beginning of you post to the recent scandals encompassing the world of college sports. I do, however, wish you would have supplied more information about the Oklahoma University issue, but it is helpful that a link is available.

    I appreciate the honest opinions you offer in this post. I agree that the punishment for Florida State University is a mere slap on the wrist in comparison to the level of scandal they were involved in. It is really interesting how some athletes are able to let their wrong-doings disappear where others receive a minor punishment. What ended up happening to the FSU coach? Even though it would be a drastic measure to suspend every student and faculty member involved in the cheating scandal, I believe it is a measure that needs to be taken. If a normal student, me for example, were to be caught cheating, I would with out a doubt be asked to leave the university along with any professors or faculty involved. Why is it that athletes receive special treatment? As for Reggie Bush's case, I feel that accepting gifts is a much smaller offense than academic dishonesty.

    A little piece of constructive criticism is for you to edit and proof read before publishing. I know it is so easy to overlook minor misspellings but it does distract from you tone and the authority you want to have as an author. The second comment was a little bit bland and would benefit from some heartfelt opinions and stylistic variances.

    All together, your blog is insightful and very strongly written. Thank you for providing such great information, and I look forward to reading you posts in the future.

    ReplyDelete

 
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