Problem in college athletics isn’t kids, it’s the guys in suits
West Virginia AD Oliver Luck promoted Dana Holgorsen (rear), who recently was intoxicated and thrown out of a casino.
Given that there is a U.S. congressman tweeting women pornographic pictures of his junior senator — and to somebody out of his district, no less — maybe this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
But the worst of infectious diseases currently destroying college athletics isn’t the recruit who’s trying to play one school off the other for a signing bonus. Or the star player who’s looking for a car deal or a condo. Or the hungry but cross-eyed coach who will lie and drop-kick his values for a BCS bowl game or NCAA tournament berth. Or the booster in the shadows who will do everything to help all aforementioned parties.
Grown, secure men who seemingly shouldn’t have anything to worry about are the biggest thing destroying college athletics.
Parents feel compelled to set an example for their children. So apparently do college administrators and coaches — they’re just setting the wrong ones.
West Virginia coach Bill Stewart wasn’t a terribly popular coach but he was coming off a co-Big East championship and was nearing the end of his career. He was forced to resign last week because word leaked that he – and possibly his wife –reportedly was trying to submarine the team’s coach in waiting, Dana Holgorsen, by spreading drinking rumors about him.
Oliver Luck, West Virginia’s athletic director, a well-educated man with a law degree, responded to this in an unusual way. He forced Stewart out the door (good) but he promoted Holgorsen one year ahead of schedule (bad). He did this even though last month an intoxicated Holgorsen had to be dragged out of a casino by police escort from a West Virginia casino (and you wonder: how drunk and obnoxious does one have to be to get thrown out of a West Virginia casino?). There also are strong allegations of other drinking issues.
Luck’s reasoning must have been that Holgorsen runs a good offense. Somehow, he has escaped criticism, I guess because he wears nice suits.
In Columbus, outgoing Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor is getting slammed for actions that almost certainly will lead to NCAA probation. But what about the men who enabled the system, the ones who stalled, deflected and lied when initially confronted with the issues: The school president (Gordon Gee), the athletic director (Gene Smith) and the head coach (Jim Tressel) – all of whom should have felt secure enough to do the right thing?
Tennessee, which annually has one of the largest athletic budgets in the nation, is facing 12 major NCAA violations in basketball and football. It fired athletic director Mike Hamilton but gave him $1.33 million as a separation gift, I guess because potentially having football and basketball programs slammed with probation simultaneously doesn’t disqualify upper management from such things in Knoxville.
The new liars club: Bruce Pearl (above), Gordon Gee, Jim Tressel, Gene Smith.
Tennessee’s hearing with the NCAA’s committee on infractions lasted 11 hours Saturday. So many current and former coaches and administrators attended that the meeting had to be moved to a larger hotel meeting room, adjacent to one with a wedding reception.
Welcome to the scary remake of Wedding Crashers, staring Bruce Pearl and Lane Kiffin.
Pearl, who already has been fired and is charged with unethical conduct, showed up with an orange tie and orange suspenders. Even at this point, he apparently finds image more important than being genuine and honest.
These are the men who are supposed to lead. And we’re blaming the kids?
Last December, when Ohio State was still in firm denial mode when the players’ memorabilia-for-tattoos scandal broke, Smith said, “There are no other NCAA violations around this case. We’re very fortunate we do not have a systemic problem in our program. This is isolated to these young men, isolated to this particular incident.”
Oops.
Pryor reportedly earned $20,000 to $40,000 selling autographed items. He seemingly changed cars every time one needed a wash. Does he deserve criticism? Absolutely. But we need to look higher on college athletics food chain for the real problem. Few are fostering an atmosphere of compliance.
Before we dump on the 21-year-olds, look at the men in the suits.
By Jeff Schultz
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134 comments Add your comment
5150 UOAD
June 12th, 2011
9:13 pm
Wonderful Ohio on the Gulf ‘Dog
Do you know every Family that has a College or school named after them? I didn’t know the Kellog’s had one. It isn’t that big of a deal. Sorry if my not knowing that offended you. I see on US News & World Report list it is #3.
The BCS MNC is a should have been The BCS MNC isn’t a.
SEC Fan
June 12th, 2011
9:21 pm
5150 UOAD
Shane or Patrick…Is that you? Ground control to Major Tom…
5150 UOAD
June 12th, 2011
9:24 pm
Don’t know a Shane or Patrick.
Do you follow ND much?
I don’t get the SEC thing if you are from the North. No big deal I just find it interesting. Most Yankees make fun of everything southern. you seem to have embraced it.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 12th, 2011
9:31 pm
What role models do most of these kids have to look up to. They see all the corruption that goes on in society and they think, since it is accepted by the community as a whole, then it is OK for them to get a piece of the pie. Look at thier role models. Crooked politicians, mail order preachers, CEO’s of big companies that lie and cheat to protect themselves. Sure, the colleges pay these coaches a lot of money, but they earn it. They are asked to keep a kid out of trouble, provide for his well being as far as is legal, teach him life lessons his parent(s) failed to provide them, and shape a team that is successful out of this combination of kids. With the pressure everybody associated with college sports puts on the coach, is it any wonder they cut corners sometimes to keep their job and produce a winning program at all cost. If a coach is actually a God fearing, honest individual, we vilify them and shout for them to be thrown out, unless they finish in the top 10 every year. Win at all cost is the motto in America and college sports is part of America. Nobody is exempt in society for the most part as we all act as if our cause is the only thing that matters in life, and everybody should think it is thiers as well. Nothing is going to change in sports or any other walk in life. Money is the great motivator and that is the lesson, we give these kids and pass this off as the only way to look at and do things.
SEC Fan
June 12th, 2011
9:32 pm
Again, for educational purposes, why would you ASS U ME I am a yankee. I was born in the South and have lived here with the exception of College and grad school.
The SEC is a much better league than the Big Ten (Northwestern) or ND – an independent with thier own NBC network but still living on the past. Maybe Kelly will change that.
Good luck with you 5150 UOAD, I’m out – have an early flight tomorrow..
5150 UOAD
June 12th, 2011
9:37 pm
I just figured that you were from the north since all your education is in the north. Bad of me but not necessarily totally misguided I don’t believe.
Have a good flight.
Saban
June 12th, 2011
10:09 pm
Doesn`t matter if Richt cheats or not. He can`t coach anyway.
Boise State 66 Dawgs 6
BG
June 12th, 2011
10:10 pm
SEC Fan says, “NGC – what’s that, a health food store?
Typical Yankee arrogance!
BTW, I’d like to see big-time college sports knocked down a couple of notches, and don’t understand why the IRS tolerates its non-profit characterization.
voiceofreason
June 12th, 2011
10:19 pm
Hillbilly D is exactly right. The root of the all these problems is that college football and basketball are essentially farm leagues for the pros. Us college football fans like that because it gives college football high caliber athletes that it probably wouldn’t have if it had to compete with minor league football for talent. The current model worked 50 years ago when college and pro football weren’t as lucrative. With the money schools, coaches and agents stand to make today, all three are willing to take chances and break NCAA rules to recruit and keep players. And as long as both college and pro football remain lucrative, there will always be schools, players and agents willing to cheat to get players. And the system will remain dirty and corrupt.
In my opinion, college football needs to return to just being college football instead of being semi pro sport. Kids should apply to college and go through the standard admissions process without any consideration of their athletic talents. Once they’re accepted to the college, they can then try out for the team. This will ensure that colleges are only admitting kids that are qualified for college. To be sure, this will reduce the talent level in college football and probably the popularity of the game but colleges should be about education. It pains me to say this as a college football fan but if we’re going to be honest about the problems and the solutions, we have to look at how the game has evolved into a semi pro sport.
UGA owns you tasty bees..
June 12th, 2011
11:41 pm
LeCHOKE James obviously sold his soul for only a second place finish.. Wonder if he kept his receipt???
Native to the ATL
June 13th, 2011
12:45 am
unk Boh mahn gahnie…….lahnie cha lahnie cha…….White boys win.
TheAntiMe
June 13th, 2011
12:57 am
Just thought that I would start the ball rolling for your next blog/column, Jeff:
The Mavs may be the World Champs but LeBron James is STILL the undisputed queen of the NBA illustrated by how he once again ran off of the floor crying like a little girl after the Mavericks kicked their cans. This is starting to become a common occurrence for James in the NBA playoffs.
TheAntiMe
June 13th, 2011
1:06 am
Oops, I guess I didn’t start it after all.
Elmo
June 13th, 2011
1:38 am
I agree . You have earned your Master’s in Common Sense Jeff.
UGA owns you tasty bees..
June 13th, 2011
3:26 am
More importantly than this extemely flagrant “foul” on morals by these suit-wearing greed mongers, is the fact that LeChoke James didn’t win 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, not even “six” championships tonight.. If anyone doubts that scum-bags allegiances, check out the “illuminati” triangle symbol he often does, taught to him by his closet mentor Jay-z, who also worships the devil. That is no joke. Why would someone already rich and famous sell their soul for a few more bucks? GREED. Before you start making fun of me, look up info on that conspiracy on youtube, there are tons of supporting videos to this theory. Why would he mock Jesus Christ with his pre game ritual in the first place? More sports stars and entertainers have literally sold their soul than you may think, and the proof is there.
UGA owns you tasty bees..
June 13th, 2011
3:28 am
By the way Jeff, your Haslem tweet (?) couldn’t have been more hilarious, even if you would’ve tossed Bibby in there too..
UGA owns you tasty bees..
June 13th, 2011
3:32 am
I have to admit, I once thought that you were in love with Paul Johnson, the way you gushed over him in previous years, but now, punks, rejects, and losers like LeWhimp, Kiffin, and Tressel make Paul J. look good-natured, humble, and well-mannered. Who knows, maybe a few more years from now, me and you may see eye to eye on more than a couple occasions a year..
Cloudodust
June 13th, 2011
7:05 am
Of the 12 violations referenced, the 10 major violations in basketball alone is 11 too many. The ringleader, one Mike Hamilton, skates away with cold, hard cash. Football will get a slap but proceed. Basketball might take a standing 8 count and need a cut man in their corner. Sorry folks, no Death Penalty Atop Rocky.
sportzfan
June 13th, 2011
8:04 am
Why is it that everyone on these post point fingers at Schultz and other writers for giving their opinions? Why is it that most of you see others faults and not your own? Why not write facts like “Bama Stan” did earlier and admit that most all programs have faults.
Why degrade coach Johnson when he’s won everywhere he’s been…..and with less talent. Why degrade coach Richt when every Univ. in America needs a coach with such character. Why degrade coach Saban when he wins at every stop…..is it jealously? Why belittle coach Spurrier when he gets results and brings excitement to the game? When you state commits about these and other individuals, don’t just rattle off an opinion, give some proof.
The real problem in college athletics is the obnixous fans posting in articles like this and calling radio talk shows……and 90% didn’t even go to college. Take care of your own household and stop looking down your nose at others.
RambleOn84
June 13th, 2011
8:14 am
Hey Schultzie,
I always hear folks talking about paying college athletes.
But how about going the other way? How about we stop paying the coaches, other than a small supplement (like the way high school coaches are paid)? How about we only allow students and alumni admission into the games?
RambleOn84
June 13th, 2011
8:22 am
Imagine a football coach moonlighting as a chemistry professor…I think most of the problems with the cheating would cease to exist under this method. But I know this would NEVER happen.
Tom
June 13th, 2011
8:23 am
Hey Jeff:
Who was the source of Holgorsen rumors? Coach Stewart and his wife in an effort to get rid of the coach in waiting (Holgerson). Once this was learned by the administration, that’s why Stewart was let go with one year remaining on his contract. You have some good columns-this was not one of them.
Rolo
June 13th, 2011
8:32 am
This piece illustrates why I stopped wearing a coat and tie. You get a pissed of client or customer coming in the office. The first person they’re going to grab is the guy in the tie.
Bryce S
June 13th, 2011
8:41 am
Tom… the allegation is that the coach/wife was the source. Luck has repeatedly stated that he’s found no evidence of this. However, Stewart resigned (Was NOT “let go”). It’s funny how story’s get twisted.
The reporter in question who made these allegations has had an axe to grind with Stewart since Stewart lied to the reporter (Not being sharp enough to evade the reporters question) He lied to the reporter about whether or not Stewart had spoken with Holgorsen. Stewart was wrong there. But the reporter has had a vendetta ever since. The reporter waited until after the reporter left the newspaper (was fired?) to come out with the allegations against Stewart.
Mayo
June 13th, 2011
9:34 am
Money…it’s a hit! Don’t give that do-goody-good bull$hit…
NCAA. Like it or not: that’$ what it’$ all about, folk$!
OldFan
June 13th, 2011
3:00 pm
Big time college sports simply mimic the larger influences in society. The days of the student-athlete went out with leather helmets and boola-boola, just like the house-calling family doctor and the corner banker. This stuff happens because we let it, because we value winning above all, and because we believe that more money must mean higher achievement. But despite all the muck, it’s still possible to enjoy a Fall Saturday when the players are on the field. Too bad all those other folks in suits are on the sidelines.
rizing star
June 13th, 2011
8:34 pm
speaking of Bron…the worst thing for Mia was Bron hitting his first four shots. Then downhill.
Lacoste
June 13th, 2011
8:35 pm
I know how to solve the problem……fans need to stop spending their money on college athletics. Empty seats will do it.
Jill
June 13th, 2011
8:58 pm
Holgorson certainly acted poorly that night, setting a bad example. HOWEVER, he was NOT “dragged” out of the casino. The situation is difficult enough without exaggerations being whimsically flung about to support an op-ed. What is known, is that he was intoxicated and loud and then left peaceably on his own and took a cab home. HOWEVER, I am in no way justifying his behavior. He needs to take responsibility for the position he holds and needs to realize he is a role model for 18 year-old to 23 year-old young men.
Big Ten Champs Nebraska
June 15th, 2011
9:23 am
Ahhhhh……Football in the south. Much like the police and politicians….Corrupt.
See you in the fall.
Dawg Tired
June 16th, 2011
1:13 pm
Bryce S – I was actually wondering just how drunk and obnoxious one has to be to get kicked out of a West Virginia casino.
Dawg Tired
June 16th, 2011
1:14 pm
With apologies to Jill – I should have said “asked to leave” rather than “kicked out.”
brit snoddy
June 16th, 2011
4:13 pm
Stewart only asked reporter, who has also been fired, to look into rumors about Danadude Hogo. which turned out to be true. Hogo refused to leave casino at request of security but left when police were called. Oliver the Brilliant was brought in by ONE rich booster who served with on the WVU board of regents for the plannned hit job on Stewart,regardless of his record last year. Not until Stewart hired a NY attorney, who probably threatened to expose the connniving Luck, did Luck cave and give Stewart a buyout, although much smaller than he was entitled to. compare Stewart’s record of being the winnningest coach in WV history and his salary of $800,000 per year with othrs.
Rantly McTirade
June 16th, 2011
6:14 pm
You should take a much, much closer look at Luck. He admitted, indirectly, that there was no evidence that Stewart tried to get dirt on Holgerson, and the one employed sports journalist(Landon at the Huntington paper) flat out said that Stewart-or anyone close to him-were
in any contact with him. Luck used, probably even created this myth, to dump Stewart who didn’t deserve it-9 wins a year at West Virginia is pretty good. Luck would be a great government or corporate hack-an untrustworthy, amoral backstabber.