[UPDATED] This is why the NCAA is so screwed up... (The NCAA changed their minds...partially)

Good link. The only reason I can possibly see for the NCAA’s & FSU’s stonewalling is not wanting to violate Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act? But you’d think they’d be able to redact the info to make sure they release no personally identifiable info…

. . . I’m not so sure how to read all the recent NCAA/FSU/Alabama news.

First off, how come and why in the world did the Florida State legal counsel in charge of communication with the NCAA, sign the confidentiality agreement which basically allowed the NCAA to bar public-access to viewing said documents? (as it applies to the appeal FSU filed following the severity of the NCAA ruling which penalized all THOSE BOWDEN losses)

Secondly, even though Alabama is currently on NCAA probation- and the fact that the U of Alabama self-reported the textbook-issues, the NCAA still hit them with a pretty hefty penalty! Granted, ‘Bama suffered no scholarship losses or post-season bans- the victories being forfeited and amount of fine was severe enough to make the average person wonder: considering the swift and expensive investigation, transparency of process, communicating any and all updates throughout the university’s investigation, and cooperation with the NCAA practically without condition- the NCAA truly showed ‘Bama no love nor mercy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying ‘Bama didn’t deserve it- I said as much in frak’s Fanpost previously. . . but, the Crimson Tide are identical to Trojan football in many ways- as far as storied histories, NC’s, scandals, and current resurgence- as symbolic powerhouse football programs staking back lost claims.

Lastly, with the way that the NCAA has been brutalized in public and in the media with regards to the BCS format, BCS bowl selections (read: at-large school access), the recent FSU appeal and public/media access to information PR-disaster- it’s my personal contention that the NCAA is none-too-happy with “perception” of it’s own status and necessity. People are grumbling about blowing up the whole NCAA charter. Yes people, SECESSION is a word being bantered about these days.

And let me point out, July 1st is Myles Brand’s last day on the job as NCAA President.

What’s this all mean for USC? I, for one, think it will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for AD Mike Garrett. He did this to himself. Payback’s a BEOTCH! Garrett’s dogma (modus operandus) will get run over by Floyd’s karma (I believe you Coach, you got hung out to dry- yo!). As far as penalties are concerned- I think we should all be worried right now- I wasn’t too worried before the FSU and ’Bama rulings. . . .I am now- I just hope the new NCAA President has a soft spot for us and/or our new PAC-10 commish finds a bat to “go to” for us.

Hey! I’m cautiously optimistic today. Tomorrow, I’ll probably be guardedly cautious. I’m wanting to eventually become optimistically hopeful again.

And you?

I