Well, it's finally official, Tony Mitchell will never play basketball at the University of Missouri. Once again the NCAA has determined that the Tigers weren't worthy of a player like TM, and refused to rule him eligible to participate in their pristine and above board treatment of member institutions. He joins players like Uche Okafor, Keith Dewitt and Chris Freeman who had their college careers derailed or at least delayed by this corrupt organization. The NCAA started out with good intentions in 1905 by President Theodore Roosevelt and his concern for the large number of injuries and deaths that had resulted from athletes playing college football. However, it branched out and gained power, eventually controlling such aspects as recruiting, championships, and television rights for member institutions. As has been said for years: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely".
This is going to sound like your typical Mizzou fan whining and persecution complex, but lets take a look at some of the decisions made by the NCAA over the past few years, and actually many that were made in just the past few months.
Darrell Arthur.
Darrell Arthur is currently a member of the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. Previously he was a member of the kansas jayhawks and a vital cog of their 2008 national championship team. In high school he was a McDonald's All American while attending, and I use the word attending lightly, South Oak Cliff high school in Dallas, Texas. South Oak Cliff won back to back state championships in 2005 and 2006 and Arthur was named the tournament MVP in both years. However, the school was forced to forfeit both titles after it was determined that his grades were altered in order for him to remain eligible, and in fact he had never graduated high school. Apparently the standards are higher in Texas than by the NCAA as no such action was taken against ku, including asking how a student that was unable to make grades in high school was suddenly able to remain eligible during the 2 years he spent in college. Considering the beaks history of a lack of institutional control and academic fraud, you'd think it might be a pertinent question. However, kansas is a basketball darling of the NCAA and therefore held to a lower standard than other institutions.
Cam Newton.
Cam Newton was the quarterback and star for the Auburn Tigers during their just completed undefeated season and win over Oregon in the national championship game. However, he was originally recruited by SEC rival Florida and was with the Gators during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In November of 2008 he was arrested for the alleged theft of a laptop computer from a fellow UF student. He left the university after the laptop was discovered in his possession and he was reportedly facing suspension or expulsion from the university because of three instances of academic cheating. He transferred to Blinn College in Texas in January of 2009 and led them to the NCJAA national football championship that year. He signed with Auburn following that season and things were going swimmingly for him until accusations arose from Mississippi State officials that Cam's father Cecil was using his sons recruitment to broker cash for himself and his church. He was originally deemed ineligible by the NCAA, but this was reversed after Auburn appealed. He not only was ruled eligible for the remainder of the season but was rewarded by winning the 2010 Heisman Trophy.
Terrelle Pryor.
Terrelle Pryor was the quarterback of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He's had a good career and led the Buckeyes to numerous wins, conference and bowl trophys. On December 23rd, Pryor and 4 teammates were ruled ineligible for receiving "improper benefits". (receiving free tattoos in exchange for signing memorabilia) It was originally determined that all 5 would not be able to participate in their Sugar Bowl game against the University of Arkansas. However, after petitioning by both OSU and Sugar Bowl officials, the NCAA reversed that decision and decided the players could play in that game and serve a 5 game suspension in the 2011 season instead. After all, we couldn't risk the NCAA's partner in crime, the BCS to lose ratings for one of it's 5 big paydays during the holiday season could we?
I have no idea what can be done to remove or replace the NCAA, but there's simply not doubt that as long as they remain in power, college athletics won't be about what's best for the athletes, the universities, or sports fans. What is important to the NCAA is $$$$ and how they can keep it coming in and keep their corrupt stranglehold and maintain their power.
It was a good idea when it started, as was the BCS for that matter, but they've both fallen victim to greed and the original intent to make things better for student athletes and member institutions has long since been thrown out the window. I'm hoping some day to see a revolt against them and their corrupt leaders. In the meantime, I'm not going to hold my breath waiting.
That's all I have for today. I know I'm getting sick of winter here in KC, and where ever you are, stay warm.
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