Updated: Here’s link to the official NCAA letter.
Links concerning the breaking story tonight that the NCAA has alleged that the Memphis basketball program committed major violations under then head coach John Calipari:
- Dan Wolken of the Memphis Commercial Appeal breaks the story of the NCAA letter to Memphis, dated Jan. 16.
- The AP report on the Memphis story.
- CBS Sportsline’s Garry Parrish, who once covered Memphis for the Commercial Appeal, reports on the allegations.
- ESPN’s report on the Memphis NCAA story.
- The Courier-Journal reports that Memphis is readying a response to the NCAA.
- Memphis Commercial Appeal columnist Geoff Calkins writes that these allegations come with the Calipari territory.
An excerpt from the Calkins’ column:
Think Calipari didn’t know about his star player’s SAT plans?
Of course he knew. They all know. It is part of the seamy world of college basketball.
You can’t risk the future of a big-time star on something like a standardized test. So you get someone to take the test for the kid. The shocker would be if someone like Rose actually took the test himself. The additional shocker — in this case — is that someone has apparently come forth with evidence suggesting Rose didn’t.
There’s no telling whether the NCAA will be able to prove the SAT allegations. Some close to the case seem to think the evidence is pretty flimsy. Either way, it doesn’t appear the basketball program will be hit with significant penalties into the future.
OMG. CAL is a cheater and a disgrace to the sec. He hasn’t even coached a game and he’s already cheating to get recruits. 2010-2011, UK is forced to forfeit all games due to ncaa probation. HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA
I really hope that the kentucky basketball program does not go back to the 1980s when winning was everything. I love the recruits that Calipari has brought in, but something deep in my gut never felt good about this hire. Sure, I want to win as much as anyone. I have missed maybe 10 games either on the radio, TV or in person in 35 years. But, I want to win with utmost class. Under Pitino and Tubby Smith, no one ever questioned kentucky basketball. I do not just hope that continues under Calapari, I EXPECT it to. With todays news of possible Memphis probation, my heart sunk. I hope this is not the beginning of a return to 1989.
Not good at all.
What everyone said at the outset will prove to be true. Cal and most importantly World Wide Wes, and the brand of players he directs to Cal, have no place in college athletics.
The price of winning at all costs can be high sometimes.
Perhaps Calipari really does not understand Kentucky Basketball after all. Coach if you want to cheat, do everyone a huge favor and please quit now and go somewhere else.
I’m sorry. I keep reading all of these reponses from people on internet blogs and it appears the sky is falling. After reading the letter, I do not think that Memphis basketball will receive a major penalty. I would be concerned about the women’s golf team’s coach…..especially the part about giving an athlete/prospect “used Champion Memphis basketball shorts”. What athlete would sign with a school that gives them “used” shorts?
Mitch at the Calipari introductory presser:
“Sandy Bell and the compliance folks talked with the NCAA and checked records and facts. David Price (the NCAA vice president of enforcement services), other people at the high level with the NCAA, assured us how much they enjoyed working with John in that process.”
Did he really not see this coming? What did he know and when did he know it?
It was all said and speculated before Cal got hired by the National media and other folks who knew better – Cal is slippery, dirty, and generally shady.
This is what you wanted Big Blue Nation. Congratulations, you have it.
Dear Marion County – You wrote: “I really hope that the kentucky basketball program does not go back to the 1980s when winning was everything.”
You\’re already there…Enjoy the wins and highs, they will be fun. But know that it WILL come crashing down, and it will be painful.
Make a copy of the Memphis story and in five years (or less) you can replace “Memphis” with “Kentucky”…I would love to own a gas station between Indianapolis (NCAA headquarters) and Lexington, because there will be numerous trips in the coming years…Any idea how the NCAA will drive to Lexington…through Louisville or through Cincinnati?