Kansas, USC -- what's going on in hoops?

John Myers, St. Louis, MO — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:35:00 GMT

I realize that the NCAA will be investigating, however, there is only so much that KU can be punished for. If KU knew that Arthur's grades were changed, then they are going to be in trouble, however, technically it is the NCAA's fault for clearing him in the first place. If people like to think that there is an army of school officials checking up on every recruit that gets offered a scholarship, they are sorely mistaken. Most of the time its just the coach and his assistant coaches. So, basically what the NCAA is saying is that the only way that Kansas could be accused of the "lack of institutional control" charge is if Bill Self knew and had proof of this grade changing scheme before or during Arthur's time at Kansas. Judgeing by his recent no-nonsense attitude towards athletes that break rules, (J.R. Giddons, C.J. Giles) I seriously doubt that Bill Self would risk his reputation in such a way.

Kansas, USC -- what's going on in hoops?

KEN — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:18:33 GMT

It is absurd to Hold ku responsible.
The NCAA is the one that cleared the student to play
There is a more dosturbing issue, a teacher has zero right to show a students grades to anyone.
tHE STATION AND TEACHER VIOLATED AN INDIVIDUALS RIGHTS TO PRIVACY AND SHOULD BE PROSECUTED. hOW WOULD YOU LIKE A TEACHER OPENING A GRADE BOOK ON YOUR CHILD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kansas, USC -- what's going on in hoops?

Eli, Manchester CT — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:48:06 GMT

Terrible....just terrible...I mean, how can I raise my children in a world where NCAA sports are tarnished by grade violations and money? I long for the halcyon days of early 90's basketball: Runnin' Rebels, Michigan...now those were great teams filled with guys you could bring home to meet your Grandma-ma.

Kansas, USC -- what's going on in hoops?

Angela Cross Memphis,Tennessee — Mon, 19 May 2008 21:00:06 GMT

The question is how did he pass the math section of the ACT/SAT if there are passing scores then something is amiss. I find it hard to believe that this young man is innocent in any of this. If it is determined that he committed academic fraud to play for the university then the title, rings, and the MOP trophy must be forfeited and the game vacated. The downside is that Coach Calipari will be allowed to forget the National Championship that he threw away and Coach Self will have to give up the title that he righfully earned. The fact that Rock Chalk Jayhawk will be silenced is not any consolation to this University of Memphis fan.

Kansas, USC -- what's going on in hoops?

Daniel (Houston, Tx) — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:42:10 GMT

Considering how Bill Self has built up a reputation as someone who doesn't tolerate any of this kind of stuff...it baffles me that people are so quick to say he might be at fault.

The NCAA Clearinghouse cleared him to play; KU had nothing to do with that decision. Now if it turns out he wasn't eligible, why should the penalty fall on KU? What’s the point of having a player cleared through the NCAA if the blame for any mistakes would still fall on the school? I just don't get it.

I know how Self is running the program well enough that he would not have allowed Arthur to play at his school if he knew about the changed grades. Furthermore, I think any person who thinks that KU should be punished in any way for this need to take off their jealousy glasses as I’ve yet to hear one person who has a full understanding of the situation be for punishing the school.

Kansas, USC -- what's going on in hoops?

kj (spartans weblog) — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:36:10 GMT

It's not so much that the whole system is corrupt. It's that the system is unsustainable. You simply can't expect to generate as much revenue as college football and basketball do today and keep the athletes themselves in a bubble of amateurism. It just won't work from the standpoint of basic human behavior, and we're seeing the signs that the whole system is starting to fall apart under its own weight.

Kansas, USC -- what's going on in hoops?

Ryan Donovan - Olathe, KS — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:02:29 GMT

The timing is also really suspect. If a player flunks a class you know he needs and he still graduates, that would be a red flag if I was that teacher...but yet this doesn't blow up until two years later and AFTER KU wins the title.

It just smells bad....all I'm saying. Also, I agree with the sentiment that the NCAA audits KU...not the other way around...and it's a complete joke to expect KU to take the lead on something that is not their responsibility.

Self doesn't tolerate dirty players...the past has proved that.