Sometimes It’s Best To Be Seen And Not Heard ……

As if the sports’ fans out there haven’t had their belly full as to the insipid and idiotic behavior of athletes and now it appears even team coaches. We’ve now got to even put up with their asinine statements that they’re either being railroaded or the mere fact that , everything that has either been said or printed has been in-fact a complete lie. My message to these individuals is , if you’ve got nothing at all pertinent or sensible to say ” …. then just shut the hell up ” ! It doesn’t serve you well to ignore the advice of either your lawyer or indeed your alleged PR guru.

Case in point , it’s the latest rant from Louisville Cardinals’ basketball coach , Rick Pitino . If it’s not been enough already, that he has indeed lied to his family as to his sexual misgivings. He’s even failed to be less than forthright with the faculty at the University of Louisville to begin with. That being said , there isn’t much that University President Dr James R. Ramsey, or their Athletic Director Tom Jurrich can do. They’ve backed Pitino’s play, even though it has brought a great deal of embarrassment to the esteemed Roman Catholic university.

And though we can opine that on the face of it Pitino’s actions aren’t at all serious. Would we be at all saying that if his actions had involved female student or even a married female faculty member ? Pitino states that he and his alleged victim, Karen Cunagin-Sypher , did indeed have consensual sex. She states the opposite , in stating that she’d been sexually assaulted on two separate occasions in mid 2003 . Something that Pitino, himself, wholeheartedly denies.
Cunagin-Sypher is now set to go on trial for extortion and the case itself could very well be one ,where a great deal of salaciousness could come to the fore. As to the behavior of Pitino and certain members of his coaching staff. Especially if the allegations being made by Cunagin-Sypher has any veracity to it , at all.

In order to get a better perspective on this incident. Then please click on the text link provided.

You Don’t Sh_t Where You Eat !

Hopefully from reading the piece fully you’ll glean enough insight to make your own assessment as to the situation ?

I know that there’s the case to be made as to being ” presumed innocent until found guilty.” But the situation surrounding the coach and his conduct does leave a great deal to be desired. As to his continued berating of the press and the fact that the allegations being made are all lies. Had he not conducted himself in such an inappropriate manner. Then perhaps he wouldn’t have to be in the public eye now trying to defend himself as to his behavior.

It’s all lies , it’s all lies . Thanks Rick but you’re also to blame for this incident as well ! So stop with the whining !

Unfortunately for the university the longer this story remains in the public eye and with the ensuing upcoming case. The smear upon it and that of the coach will just continue to linger . And even if Cunagin-Sypher is found innocent or guilty. The indelible mark left on Pitino’s reputation will be one of a human being who cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Much less conduct himself with the comportment expected of a person, in a position of trust.

Elvis Has Left The Building And So Too Did John Calipari ……………Who Knew ?

Who can forget the memorable season had by the Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team , in the NCAA tournament of 2007 ? The team went 38-2 , only to end up losing to the Kansas Jayhawks in the finals. You had the stellar play of Derrick Rose and seemingly the team’s coach John Calipari had it set , as to another accolade. It now appears that following an investigation by the NCAA. All is not as it appears to be , or should have been .

Former Tigers' coach John Calipari has a word in the ear of former player Derrick Rose . The Tigers have now had to vacate their wins covering the 2007-08 season. And there are now allegations surrounding several transgressions within the program and that also of the fact that Rose , himself , did not sit and take his SAT's. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Christopher Curtis .......................

And seemingly, the program had the world at its feet after its stellar display during the tournament. Fast forward , to today and things are not what they seem. There are mounting suspicions that Calipari may have been in-fact aware ,as to several transgressions within the Tigers’ program. What’s even more troubling, is that the investigation conducted internally, wasn’t as incisive , as first thought. And it took the NCAA and their own investigation to finally bring out many of the transgressions that are said to have taken place. The men’s basketball program will have to vacate its winning season of 2007 and all of its records therein, will become invalid. Further punishment is expected to be forthcoming,pending ongoing investigations.

Here’s an oxymoron with regard to Myles Brand and collegiate athletics. Whilst no doubts the veracity of his argument brought forth. It has been his failure to deal with the corruption of collegiate athletics that’s now leading many to question the actions of the NCAA.

Former Memphis and current Kentucky coach John Calipari (right) enjoys a laugh with Gov. Steve Beshear as they serve food on the opening day of the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville , Kentucky. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ed Reinke ......................

Time and time again, it’d appear that on the face of it, collegiate athletics has become sullied and corrupted. And there appears to no apparent accountability . Either from the coaches, players , athletic directors and university presidents. And even more so, the universities themselves. As they earnestly seek to apportion blame elsewhere for their follies. And it certainly hasn’t helped that NCAA President Myles Brand has been less than forthright, when dealing with many of the issues. More ,so it gives the appearance of favoritism when it comes to certain programs and universities when an adjudication is made .And then finally, when punishment is meted out. It’s either done so in an extremely ambiguous way or it is done ,without any act of recourse on the part of a defendant.

Rose seen here during the semi-final game against UCLA in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament in San Antonio , Tx,. picture appeears courtesy of ap/photo/Charlie Neibergall .................

And while we can question the actions of not only Calipari, himself. Who has since left the program to coach at the University of Kentucky and its esteemed program. There are also a number of questions surrounding also the actions of their former player Derrick Rose. Not only has it do with his apparent taking of the SAT’s . And whether or not , he was the individual who sat and took the exam. But there’s now said to be certain irregularities as to financial inducements directly, or indirectly being made to the player and members of his immediate family.

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and AP :

Report: Memphis to vacate Final Four season

MEMPHIS,Tenn.-(AP) Memphis will be forced to vacate the record 38 victories from its Final Four season of 2007-08 under former coach John Calipari because of NCAA violations, The Commercial Appeal reported.

The newspaper cited an unidentified source close to the situation , said on its web site Wednesday night that the NCAA will release findings of its investigations Thursday. The Commercial Appeal said it was unaware of any penalties beyond this season.

The NCAA investigated whether someone took the SAT exam for a player on that Final Four team. Memphis was notified of potential violations in January and met with the governing body in June.

The NCAA has said an unknown person took the college entrance exam for a player-with his knowledge-and that the player used it to get admitted. The governing body says the athlete played for the Tigers only in the 2007-08 season and the 2008 NCAA tournament. Just one person fits that description: Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls’ No.1 overall draft pick in 2008 and its rookie of the year.

“I know I didn’t do anything wrong,” Rose said two weeks ago.

The NCAA planned a conference call for Thursday afternoon , and Memphis president Shirley Raines told the Associated Press the school would follow with a news conference.

Memphis coach John Pastner declined to comment early Thursday, deferring to university officials.

Memphis finished 38-2 in 2007-08, setting the NCAA record for wins in a season. The Tigers lost 75-68 to Kansas in overtime in the national championship game.

It would be the second time both Memphis and Calipari had to vacate Final Four seasons. The Tigers were stripped of their 1985 appearance and Calipari’s Massachusetts’ team lost its 1996 berth.

Memphis athletic director R. C. Johnson, and coach John Pastner and a team spokesman couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday night.

Calipari , appearing at the Kentucky State Fair on Thursday, would not elaborate because the report had not been officially released.

“We don’t know anything because I’m not going to comment because I have to wait on the finding,” Calipari said.” I would be disappointed if that’s what they chose to do.”

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In order to view this AP article , please click on the text link provided to view.
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On appearance alone , there appears to be a great deal of obfuscation by all of the integral parties concerned. Especially with regard to the actions of both Calipari and that of Derrick Rose. As they’ve since left the Tigers’ program-any penalties now meted out won’t be inflicted upon or directed at them. But more so , upon the very program itself. And if nothing else, this clearly falls upon the actions of the coach , his staff, that of the university’s compliance officials and that of the player.

Nowhere, has there been any contrite act as all parties feel that on the surface they’ve done nothing wrong. But it’d be remiss to think that this program is the only place where such malfeasance takes place. Unfortunately it’s become the norm within the world of collegiate athletics. And apparently no one is of the slightest bit concerned. Not only does this make of a mockery of the education system. But it also sends the message that as long as you don’t get caught you might as well do as you please . No matter what the cost , as to the integrity of collegiate athletics and the education system thereof.

It’s indeed a sad indictment of the collegiate system and that of athletics, on the whole. It paints a rotten picture and sends the wrong message to the aspiring college athlete that chooses to do things the right way.

Somehow, unless the NCAA actually stands firm and strives to meet these issues head on. Then we’ll continue to see not only the disingenuous coaches and athletes profit from such acts. But also the universities,themselves. They choose to forgo doing things the right way. Merely, because of the undoubted financial gain to be had. It is sets a bad principal and it brings dishonor to another realm of sports as to where it ought to be, at its purest , in its very form. But others would have us believe that we’ve really got nothing at all to worry about. I beg to differ ! As there’s absolutely no honor in cheating ! Life doesn’t teach us that and it certainly doesn’t make you feel any better once you’ve been caught. So what say you , on the matter ?

Pitino Isn’t Going Anywhere

[Editor's Note: For a complete rundown of the Rick Pitino scandal, click here to view Alan's recent piece.]

What Louisville head coach Rick Pitino did six years ago was horrible, out of line and in most cases, inexcusable. Pitino’s admission to having sex with a woman after-hours at a restaurant reflects poorly on Pitino, the woman involved and the University.

This story has been boiling for months, when it was reported that the woman, Karen Sypher, was being federally charged with trying to extort millions of dollars from Pitino. For months, there have been rumors upon rumors about the case, but nothing groundbreaking had come about — until Tuesday. That is when The Louisville Courier-Journal reported that Pitino told authorities he had sex with Sypher and gave her money for an abortion. Pitino has since said that the money was actually for insurance, but the story still remains out for everyone to see.

On Wednesday, Pitino apologized for his “indiscretion.” The pain that he has caused his family is undoubtedly great, and that is something that will take to heal. Because of this serious misconduct from Pitino, many have called for Louisville to force him to resign, and fire him if he refuses. Under many circumstances, Pitino’s actions would warrant a resignation. He is the basketball coach of a school university, coaching young men who are extremely impressionable. His job is not only to win basketball games, but to young mold men into functioning men in our society. Not only his kids produce on the court, they must also produce in the classroom and in all walks of life. Pitino’s actions have set a terrible example for all of his players, which is why people around the program and outside of it are justifiably upset. People can jump up and down all they want about this story, but Pitino isn’t going anywhere.

Pitino is someone who is held to a very high standard, and he clearly made a big mistake. But the people who want him removed appear to be out-of-touch with the state of college athletics.

Standards are something that few programs in college basketball have at this point. Programs take on one-and-done players who constantly break the rules because they know they won’t suffer the consequences. Programs hire coaches with shady recruiting practices, and rarely do anything about the rule-breaking until the NCAA steps in — like the USC and Tim Floyd scandal. Universities have put winning above moral standards and practices, which is also why college basketball has flourished over the past decade. These practices have led to many programs abandoning the academic side of things and focusing solely on basketball. Obviously, not all programs do this, as there are still many programs that set and live up to their standards and don’t stand for anything else. But clearly, the state of college basketball is not great.

Everything in college basketball is based on winning games, selling tickets and making loads of money. Pitino is one of the best at doing all three. Pitino has turned Louisville back into a perennial contender in the Big East, the toughest conference in all of college basketball. Last season, Pitino’s Cardinals won the Big East regular season championship and the Big East tournament. They were the No.1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament and came just one game away from reaching the Final Four. Pitino knows what he is doing, and is one of the best coaches in college basketball.

If he weren’t winning games, though, he probably would be gone. If a coach who isn’t winning games and therefore isn’t impressing fans commits an “indiscretion” like Pitino did, he likely wouldn’t last. It’s much easier to get rid of a coach who isn’t winning than one who is.

The only way Pitino could potentially get fired is if his actions affect recruiting. When Pitino speaks with parents of recruits, he will have to work extra hard to convince them that he will never do anything so stupid again. Parents want to send their kids off to a coach they can trust, and Pitino’s actions won’t help him on the recruiting trail. But his track record of graduating players and turning out good players and even better men is solid, which is why he shouldn’t be hurt too bad in terms of getting players to play for him at Louisville.

On Wednesday, Dr. James Ramsey, Louisville’s president, released a statement:

“Rick Pitino is the University of Louisville’s basketball coach,” the statement read. “He has been a role model for countless young people and a positive influence on this community.

“Regardless of the truth or falsehood of specific actions that have been attributed to the coach, he’s clearly made errors in judgment that have come under intense public scrutiny. We can’t ignore these errors in judgment, and they have saddened and disappointed me. As we try to teach our students, when you make a mistake, you admit it and right it as best you can. Coach has done that today.”

That’s all that was required from Pitino. A simple apology and everything is good. Louisville will act like this never happened, and the program can go back to trying to win basketball games. The actions of Pitino will never be forgotten by his family, who will need some time to get over something that had to be very painful.

No one is saying that Pitino’s actions are acceptable, because they are not. He should have used better judgement on a night in August of 2003. He should have thought about the potential consequences and made the right decision, but he didn’t.

Still, he didn’t commit a crime, can’t go to jail and he has otherwise been great for the University of Louisville. That is why, unless he starts losing games, Rick Pitino isn’t going anywhere.

You Don’t Sh_t Where You Eat You Hear That ?

You Don’t Sh_t Where You Eat You Hear That ?

What can one say as to the somewhat asinine situation that the University of Louisville basketball coach, Rick Pitino , has allegedly gotten himself into ? It has come to light that Pitino had a brief affair with Karen Cunagine-Sypher. Who at the time wasn’t yet married to the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Cunagine-Sypher claims that she’d been raped by the coach at a restaurant in the Louisville area, in late 2003.

University of Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino on the sidelines of game against Siena in the second round of the men's NCAA Basketball tournament . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Al Behrman ........................

Pitino claims that the sex that’d taken place was consensual between the two. The alleged victim claims also that a second assault took place some six months afterwards.
Rick Pitino , strenuously denies the claim but does admit that he paid the victim $3,000-00 to have an abortion. What further exacerbates this whole situation, is that the victim is now the focus of a federal investigation in which Pitino , is the alleged target of an extortion claim made by Karen Cunagine-Sypher.

For the coach, who’s a family man , happily married, with adult children. The scenario as it plays out , may well make him somewhat of a victim, of a felonious crime. But it also paints a very poor picture of an individual who once again feels that he’s above reproach as far as his integrity and morals go. Here , you have a person , in Pitino , who’s placed in a position of trust and authority. Setting an example, that by no means on the face of it can be looked at as being virtuous, in terms of his behavior.

Karen Cunagine-Sypher listens as her attorney speaks to media outside the Gene Snyder Courthouse following an appearance in Lousville in Kentucky. Cunagine-Sypher is the defendant in what's said to be a $10million extortion attempt on her part against Pitino and what's also believed to be against the University of Louisville as well. Cunagine-Sypher alleges that she was raped by Pitino on two separate occasions, in early, 2003. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Brian Bohannon .................

Granted , he’s made the uiversity aware of the allegations and that too, his family as well. But it paints a poor picture as to Pitino’s overall character and lack of judgement. Furthermore ,it paints a poor picture as to the character within Pitino’s basketball program , there at the University of Louisville. That’s meant to be the example that he’s setting for the young players that come under his authority as a coach ? Now not only will his own character come into question but also that of his players, as well .

There’ve been no charges filed against the coach , although the alleged rape victim did in effect make a statement to the police with regard to the incident. For their part, law enforcement have stated that they investigated the matter fully. And have found that it is the victim who’s the apparent felon, with regard to the claims and the mere fact that she’s tried to extort money from Pitino. In this case, it’s said to in the region of $10 million in order for her to maintain her silence as to misdeeds by Pitino and his coaching staff , over the years at Louisville.

University of Louisville President James Ramsey listens to questions after saying that he'll await to talk with athletic director Tom Jurich before making any further comments about the scandal surrounding the program's basketball coach Rick Pitino. Pitino, himself , refuses to comment on the matter stating that the appropriate time to do so , will be at the trial of Karen Cunagine-Sypher. The coach however, should also bear in mind that his contract does carry a moral clause within it. So in effect if deemed appropriate the university can fire Pitino with 'cause' . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ed Reinke .............................

Whilst on appearance, there appears to be no veracity as to those claims. It does paint a further disturbing picture of college athletics.And the depths that some people may well be prepared to go to , in order to gain revenge. But then again, by merely from being on the outside looking in. One has to ask what else that might be going on there that we don’t really know about within the confines of the Cardinals’ athletics program ? It may be nothing more than supposition at best. But I look at this way,we’ve heard the allegations that’ve been made against the USC Trojans’ program. And as of yet despite the NCAA’s so called in depth investigations. We’ve yet to hear anything come to the fore, as to there being any wrongdoing.

Yet again the NCAA has been all too quick, to pounce and render judgement upon other programs with even less evidence of a misdeed. Purely, as a way of using a program as a deterrent to others. Whichever way, one looks upon it , collegiate athletics has now become so corrupt. That it can no longer be viewed as a place where one can rightly say that there everything is pristine and above reproach. From the AD’s , on down , to the coaches and the athletes themselves , an environment of corruption, cheating and entitlement prevails. And there’s been very little that has been done to abate or stem that tide at all ! And that’s even with the intervention of the Justice Department and the lackadaisical efforts of the NCAA , themselves. More in part , it has been because collegiate athletics has become awash with money , very little effort is really being put into truly providing the athlete with a sound basis of a proper education.

Whilst it remains to be seen what’ll come of this incident with regard to Pitino. It won’t in any way hinder the coach’s progress this season, as he undertakes his duties.
He’s said as much, in the fact that he won’t take a leave of absence from the program, no matter what the apparent fallout might be. For Cunagine-Sypher, who now awaits trial , with Pitino acting as a witness for the prosecution. It doesn’t exactly now place her in a favorable light. A woman scorned is one thing. But when you try and bring down a respected coach within a community where he’s thought of there , as a deity . It’s something that on the face of it you’d better know what it is that you’re up against right from the start. It’s as the saying goes ……’you don’t sh_t where you eat’. Better yet, make sure that all of your ducks are lined up in a row . It does help !