Many UK fans are licking their chops this afternoon after NCAA dropped the hammer on UL. NCAA is now viewed by many as Wyatt Earp. The Cardinals and Tarheels are the evil Outlaws. A dream for many UK fans is to hear NCAA say to both programs, "Tell them I'm coming after them, and hell is coming with me."
Well, I'm guessing the group from Indy will blow some smoke at UNC, but it'll be nothing more than Earp blowing threatening smoke at the poker table. Here's why I think it happens this way.
1. NCAA cannot decide if a class offered by UNC is valid. That's an accreditation and school issue.
2. Everyone and their mother (including UNC athletics) knows why the program existed. Having an entire program designed that your typical 2nd grader can pass is not a problem as long as the school made classes available to other students.
3. NCAA can't punish an academic program for athletes taking classes that the university approved. Other schools know that a sham was created. But, they'll not stand by if NCAA tries to step into "what schools should and should not teach." No one wants the Indy group to have that much authority.
4. They'll be more punishment for a teacher/asst coach doing someone's homework or test than for all the athletes that participated in the classes.
Was it a sham? Absolutely! Will NCAA punish them for it? Don't think they have the legal reach to do so.
Here's more bad news for those who want to see the NCAA continue chasing the programs we label as "Outlaws" (I'm glad no one views our program or coach in this way ;-) ... I don't think the UL 2013 banner comes down. UL will appeal. NCAA has never taken down a title banner. FinalFour banner will come down, but title banner will stay up.
These are just projections. Some (ones who thought Higgins deserved to be harassed and threatened) will interpret this post as anti-UK. I didn't say I wouldn't have a slight smile if all the banners come down. I just doubt anything of significance happens to UNC and that UL title banner comes down.
Well, I'm guessing the group from Indy will blow some smoke at UNC, but it'll be nothing more than Earp blowing threatening smoke at the poker table. Here's why I think it happens this way.
1. NCAA cannot decide if a class offered by UNC is valid. That's an accreditation and school issue.
2. Everyone and their mother (including UNC athletics) knows why the program existed. Having an entire program designed that your typical 2nd grader can pass is not a problem as long as the school made classes available to other students.
3. NCAA can't punish an academic program for athletes taking classes that the university approved. Other schools know that a sham was created. But, they'll not stand by if NCAA tries to step into "what schools should and should not teach." No one wants the Indy group to have that much authority.
4. They'll be more punishment for a teacher/asst coach doing someone's homework or test than for all the athletes that participated in the classes.
Was it a sham? Absolutely! Will NCAA punish them for it? Don't think they have the legal reach to do so.
Here's more bad news for those who want to see the NCAA continue chasing the programs we label as "Outlaws" (I'm glad no one views our program or coach in this way ;-) ... I don't think the UL 2013 banner comes down. UL will appeal. NCAA has never taken down a title banner. FinalFour banner will come down, but title banner will stay up.
These are just projections. Some (ones who thought Higgins deserved to be harassed and threatened) will interpret this post as anti-UK. I didn't say I wouldn't have a slight smile if all the banners come down. I just doubt anything of significance happens to UNC and that UL title banner comes down.