Wolverine In Exile

May 30th, 2010 at 9:43 PM ^

I jest of course, but seriously, if Calipari makes it out of this Kentucky job without  being BANHAMMER'D by the NCAA, I'll be reminded of Clooney's line in Oceans 11 when he's at his parole hearing:

Parole Board Member #1: Mr Ocean, the purpose of this hearing is to determine, whether, if released, you are likely to break the law again. While this was your first conviction, you have been implicated, though never charged, in over a dozen other confidence tricks and frauds. What can you tell us about those?
Danny: As you say, ma'am, I was never charged.

Sambojangles

May 30th, 2010 at 3:46 PM ^

Put me down for a dollar, and I'll take the $10,000,000 easily. All the indications are that this is going to be really bad for USC. I'd say vacated wins (including two national championships) and maybe a postseason ban for one of the top teams in the country is more than a slap on the wrist.

Njia

May 30th, 2010 at 4:52 PM ^

I really do. But, this is the NCAA we're talking (or writing, in this case) about. Just about the time you think you've got 'em figured out, they do something completely absurd.

And, while I would like to believe that vacated wins (even given the NCs) are a "penalty", its a pretty weak one. Its kind of like un-ringing a bell. They won the games, and everyone knows it. Kind of like a sustained objection to court room testamony. Sure, in theory, the jury is not supposed to hear it, but of course, they did.

A multi-year, post-season ban would have some teeth, as would a significant reduction in scholarships. Allowing transfers from the program without a loss of eligibility and a waiving of LOIs (for signed commitments) would be two more options.

But, we shall see what we shall see on Friday. 'Til then ....

bronxblue

May 30th, 2010 at 9:13 PM ^

I agree that the vacated wins are somewhat irrelevant, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a 2 or 3-year ban on the postseason, especially with Kiffin coming along and being so cavalier with his recruiting both at UT and now at USC.  Carroll dodged a bullet, but I fully expect USC to receive legitimate punishment for what they did.  

Hemlock Philosopher

May 30th, 2010 at 3:48 PM ^

As Office Space knows, breaking bad news on a Friday reduces the chance of an incident... 

 No. No, of course not. We find it's always better to fire people on a Friday. Studies have statistically shown that there's less chance of an incident if you do it at the end of the week. 

I like doing it on a Friday.  Hopefully the NCAA brings the ban-hammer. 

skunk bear

May 30th, 2010 at 4:39 PM ^

suspicious that they'll get a slap on the wrist, but all signs point to significant sanctions:

1). They aren't allowed to self-sanction.

2). It has taken so long.

3). The findings will be released on a Friday.

4). It seems they really were up to sad bad stuff.

5) They thumbed their nose at the NCAA by hiring Kiffen.

6). Carroll bolted.

jg2112

May 30th, 2010 at 8:40 PM ^

Another indication that the determinations are serious:

Remember, Seantrel delayed signing for USC because he presumably wanted to find out what the penalties could be (this was BS, he hadn't passed his ACTs yet and he didn't want to go JUCO).

But, he had to sign by April 1, and the hearings were late February, and the NCAA said, 6-8 weeks.

We're at over 12 weeks now. The Committee has spent some time doling out appropriate punishment. They wouldn't take this long for probation.

MgoViper

May 30th, 2010 at 6:17 PM ^

hope they throw the book at them. Gifts of money and probably more secondary violations then we may ever know. USC always seems to get away with bs. Now with kiffin leading the way, i dont think this will be the last time they are investigated IMO.

SysMark

May 30th, 2010 at 6:28 PM ^

This should be good for a few yucks.  Petey was no fool getting out of there.  Has anyone ever had to give back a Heisman?  Priceless.

jmblue

May 31st, 2010 at 1:55 AM ^

OSU was placed on probation for a few years (with one lost scholarship per year, IIRC) and  banned from the postseason for a year following the Jim O'Brien scandal.  It was essentially the same punishment we received for the Ed Martin scandal. 

The key difference between OSU and UM hoops is that, unlike us, they made a good replacement hire (Thad Matta) while we replaced Steve Fisher with Brian Ellerbe. If we'd have hired a competent coach in 1997, we'd have been fine.

exmtroj

May 30th, 2010 at 7:05 PM ^

I think this will be a lot like the first OJ trial.  Huge investigation and lead-up to absolutely nothing, even though every one knew he was guilty as sin.  USC is way too big of a bandwagon cash cow nationwide for any real sanctions to come down.  And either way, all the news and media outlets will come to their rescue and defend or rationalize their actions.  I hope it's different, but I hate USC so much that I can't allow myself to get my hopes up.

jmblue

May 30th, 2010 at 9:17 PM ^

I don't understand the "USC is too important" line of reasoning.  College football doesn't seem that dependent on any one particular program to attract audiences.  USC was mediocre for most of the 1990s and college football did just fine. 

UNCWolverine

May 30th, 2010 at 10:35 PM ^

My prediction is they get jackshit and that I will not be happy. my area is dominated by USC Johnny-come-lately fans that didn't know they had a team prior to 2000. Would be amused to watch the house of cards tumble.

UNCWolverine

May 30th, 2010 at 10:36 PM ^

My prediction is they get jackshit and that I will not be happy. my area is dominated by USC Johnny-come-lately fans that didn't know they had a team prior to 2000. Would be amused to watch the house of cards tumble.

UNCWolverine

May 30th, 2010 at 10:36 PM ^

My prediction is they get jackshit and that I will not be happy. my area is dominated by USC Johnny-come-lately fans that didn't know they had a team prior to 2000. Would be amused to watch the house of cards tumble.

bacon

May 31st, 2010 at 7:35 AM ^

They'll get a slap on the wrist and then Pete Carroll will publish a book about the whole situation called "How I told the NCAA to go Fuck themselves" with a forward by Reggie Bush.