For the second straight day an SEC team has been naughty. And guess what? Nick Saban is once again kind of, not really, but somehow still involved (at least in my mind).
LSU conducted an internal investigation and has since admitted violations that stem around improper phone calls, transportation, and summer housing for one player. That player is non-factor wideout Akiem Hicks. These allegations were sent over in a 50-page report to the NCAA. How someone could possibly write fifty pages on something someone could probably describe in a few paragraphs is another story – but it happened.
Hicks never played in a game and his scholarship wasn’t renewed after the 2009 season. This means that there is no way to forfeit any games because, well, he didn’t play in any. This is just another part of the heinous NCAA Sanction handbook which is about as handy as this 50-page report that was written.
The question I have is why not do this with someone who doesn’t suck. “Ah Mr. Shepard, here is your uniform which we will retire upon your departure junior year and a purple Range Rover to boot. Don’t worry, you won’t get caught, Mr. Landry was given the same treatment. Hot towel?”
I mean, why put yourself at risk with anything but a sure thing? Not to insult Hicks, but a JUCO wideout isn’t exactly the guy that I want to put my ass on the line for. Wait that actually is to insult Hicks. Opps. In fact, he (or “you” if he’s reading this) should be grateful with the whole free education thing.
In any event, LSU is on top of things and their 50-page confession is on its way to be reviewed. I suppose this is the way to handle things if you’re a big school that knows you’re going to get caught. Just tell on yourself, sell out a wideout coach and a bad player, and move on. I’d love to insert a Les Miles joke here, but I just don’t have one.
Instead I’ll embrace the positive message that he and LSU are sending. If you get caught, own up early. Write a huge ass paper that won’t get read after “We’re sorry th-” and presto. If you don’t, you might have to forfeit victories (oh the horror), pay cash money, or even see your scholarships reduced. Plus you probably won’t be able to give away Range Rovers and provide free housing without paying off the right people.
That would create a fair, more appropriate recruiting system. And they simply cannot have it.
