1:50 PM
ckw
At least for college football. And for many reasons. A whole bunch of things have gone down today that can change the way things will look for at least the next few seasons. For the more immediate future, USC is finally feeling the repercussions of some shady deals with Reggie Bush that were against NCAA regulations. Their bball program had already gotten in trouble due to deals with O.J. Mayo when he was on the team. USC had appealed the football allegations, which centered on various forms of compensation for Reggie Bush during his time as a Trojan from 2003-2005. Their record could be greatly affected by this- including a national title- depending on how the punishment ends up looking. Reggie Bush’s Heisman will be reviewed by the committee, as he would have been considered ineligible if this is confirmed.
While I am a firm believer in everyone following the same rules in sports to make things as fair as possible, and also have some strong feelings about USC, I think some aspects of the proposed punishment are affecting the wrong people. Yes, USC should have had a greater understanding of what was going on with their athletic programs; however, Pete Carroll and the particular player in question here will only feel shame for bringing these issues on their former team, if that, when it comes to things like the loss of scholarships and the 2 year post-season ban. While Lane Kiffin is probably my second least liked coach, right behind Pete, he wasn’t the one to condone these actions, yet he will be the one to suffer most. Right along with the new group of players, most of whom, according to ESPN, were barely in high school when these things were going on. They transferred or otherwise committed knowing there was investigation underway, but probably not expecting to have their careers rocked like this. I hope the NCAA has a plan to address any concerns these players may have.
On a more long-lasting note, the Pac-10 has officially gained a new member as the University of Colorado announced it would be leaving the Big 12. This could mean the beginning of a huge shift in conference make-up as Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma & Oklahoma State may be making moves as well. Nebraska has been mentioned in a potential switch to the Big 10. The Big 12 being dismantled or potentially looking extremely different, Pac-10 becoming the Pac-? as it attempts to recruit a major chunk of teams, and remaining teams scrambling to various conferences after theirs fall apart will make a huge difference once all the changes take effect.
I’m sure there are plenty of other underlying reasons, but it seems that most of this musical conference game going on is due to money and network coverage cash. BCS bowl games will have to be completely revamped. Regular season schedules will be different. Things will get crazy. My only hope out of all of this is for more balanced conference quality and maybe, just maybe, resorting to a playoff system…
Finally, what should have been the headline for today’s blog has gotten bumped to a final thought with all the college football insanity that sprung up in its way. The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup last night in Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers had a ridiculous run to get that far, and had even pushed Game 6 into OT. In the end, Chicago pulled it off with a shot that most didn’t even realize went in. Well, except for Kane, the guy that hit it in, and Leighton, the Flyers goalie. Ten bucks says Leighton goes due to that shot, despite his great stand-in play during the playoffs. Niemi was amazing throughout the playoffs and definitely did a great job in getting the Blackhawks to their first cup in forever. So, to the Flyers, congratulations on a great and unexpected run. Chicago, congrats on the win.
Random side note: how on Earth does Byfuglien = Buf-lin? :oP
NBA Finals Game 4 tonight! Let’s go Celtics!
