NCAA: 2 Year Probation and Fine for the Huskers

[jd]

It is pretty funny. Auburn buys themselves a quarterback who then leads them to a national title...and the NCAA yawns. We give our kids additional books to help them excel in the classes they're taking and we get a fine and probation.

I understand what you are saying, but you make it sound like NU was purposely giving the books to student athletes, which is not correct.  The software that determined the eligibility of the book was not working properly on some of the registers.

[HuskerFan2002]

The best thing is that all of this is overshadowed by recruiting yesterday nationwide so this wasn't brought up at all.

[no1huskafan]

The best thing is that all of this is overshadowed by recruiting yesterday nationwide so this wasn't brought up at all.

When this story came out, I remember the national perception of the story as favorable to us. A lot of people had the mentalty of, "I can't believe giving kids on scholarship recommended books is against the rules." I remember the perception being that this whole thing was a big joke. (which it is)

[SUHnami]

As I recall this is really a non-issue.  2 year probation for 19 sports.  Unless there are scholarship reductions, TV or bowl bans, then this is a minor issue.  It's really more of a mis-understanding than a violation. 

[njhuskerfan]

Does the 2 years probation apply to all possible infractions, or just a repeat of the recommended books infraction?

[njhuskerfan]

Could the Athletic Department have a reference library of "recommended" books and loan them to the athlete as needed?  I don't know if the library (or learning resource centers as they like to be called now) has these books available for check out.  Would that be legal?

[tfree32]

It is pretty funny. Auburn buys themselves a quarterback who then leads them to a national title...and the NCAA yawns. We give our kids additional books to help them excel in the classes they're taking and we get a fine and probation.

I understand what you are saying, but you make it sound like NU was purposely giving the books to student athletes, which is not correct.  The software that determined the eligibility of the book was not working properly on some of the registers.

Fair point. Regardless, how ironic is it that we're being penalized for giving kids additional books while I'd be willing to guess that roughly 80% of graduates from SEC football factories can't even read..and the NCAA doesn't care about that.

[SUHnami]

It is pretty funny. Auburn buys themselves a quarterback who then leads them to a national title...and the NCAA yawns. We give our kids additional books to help them excel in the classes they're taking and we get a fine and probation.

I understand what you are saying, but you make it sound like NU was purposely giving the books to student athletes, which is not correct.  The software that determined the eligibility of the book was not working properly on some of the registers.

Fair point. Regardless, how ironic is it that we're being penalized for giving kids additional books while I'd be willing to guess that roughly 80% of graduates from SEC football factories can't even read..and the NCAA doesn't care about that.

Funny you should mention this Tfree a guy I work with basically said the same thing.  The NCAA is giving the NU athletic dept probation for over-educating their athletes.     Who'd of thunk that? 

[Capn Krunch]

Giving away the recommended textbooks, team gpa on the rise..............

[knapplc]

This hasn't gone unnoticed in the world of sports reporting.  Only thing is, it's not Nebraska that's coming off poorly here - it's the NCAA:

After outlining the violations and the punishment (including “public reprimand and censure!”), it adds a side note that reads, in part, “N.C.A.A. President Mark Emmert and members have recognized that numerous rules, such as those stating athletic scholarships can be used to purchase mandatory but not ‘recommended’ textbooks, are overly prescriptive and do not support our values.” In other words, the rule is so idiotic that even the N.C.A.A. can’t defend it. In that same side note, the N.C.A.A. says that it is in the process of rewriting its rule book. Can’t wait to see the results.

LINK

[Solly]

Could the Athletic Department have a reference library of "recommended" books and loan them to the athlete as needed?  I don't know if the library (or learning resource centers as they like to be called now) has these books available for check out.  Would that be legal?

No. The University could, as long as it was open to all students.

[nickman23]

Funny how NU tries to make its players Better STUDENT athletes and they get nailed.  I am beyond words, this is so laughable.  Picture telling a potential new recruits parents this.

Parent: So you are on probabtion for the next 2 years what is that about?
Bo: We gave our kids extra text books to help them study and graduate so if they do not play professional football, which only a small percentage do, they will be better prepared for the jobs they take in the working world
Parent: So you gave kids more text books to study with
Bo: yes and it was an honest mistake, we always try to abide by the NCAA rules when it comes to our students
Parent: So you gave kids extra text books, (parent beyond confused as to why that is bad)
Bo: I know it sounds bad, but we just want your son to be ready for the real world when he leaves, but we did over step and had to report it to the NCAA
Parent: well you see other schools told my son he did not need to even go to class and they would just pass him through and give him money for playing well. So NU will make our son go to class and also help him with his academics and try to make sure he is ready to enter the real world prepared for life?
Bo: yep that pretty much sums it up. Also we promise if he does not attend class or does poorly, he will not play. I know it is asking a lot, but we do the right thing and want to make sure you trust us with your son.  I promise he will be a better MAN, when we are done with him in 4 years than he is now, I give you my word.
Parent:  can I come too?  I wish I had someone who was that concerned about me as student when I went to school
Bo: That is NU, you are part of a family and families make you better in life.