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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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 ?

Having One’s Cake And Eating It … Who Says There’s No Collusion In Sports ?

Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand over the last few months. You may not have been aware that all four of the major professional sports governing bodies and the NCAA are prepared to challenge the states of Delaware and New Jersey in proposing a sport’s book gamling bill that they’re preparing in their respective legislatures.

On the face of it one might feel that MLB , NBA , NCAA , NHL and the NFL have nothing to worry about. Being as the fact that all four sports have a healthy relationship with the gaming industry , one way or another. In many cases, some of the four do , more than others. And without that relationship one could surmise that the relationship would be as such somewhat minute . Other than the fact that there are still indeed some well meaning and loyal fans to the respective professional franchises.

Gov Jack A Markell (D-Del) . The governor is seeking legislative bill to be passed in both houses whereing legalized gambling and most notably sports book betting will be allowable in the state of Delaware. However the four major pro sports governing bodies and the NCAA are seeking to challenge any bill passed by placing their own challgenge as to its legality in the Federal Court system. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Carol Hemmings ...........................

However , in light of this all each of the sporting bodies , headed by Bud Selig (MLB) , David Stern (NBA) , Gary Bettman (NHL), Myles Brand (NCAA) and Roger Goodell (NFL). For some reason each of the commissioners in question believe that should the legislation be passed it’d do more harm to the framework of sports in general . Than it would do good. I find that particular argument somewhat misguided , retarded but above lacking in basis in terms of a real argument.

Gov. Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey) . He, too, like his Democratic counterpart in Delaware would like to see a similar bill passed within both houses of the legislatiure in New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Dwayne Osario ............................

Whereas over the years each of the sports in question have profitted greatly from the gaming industry and in particular the patrons wagering on the outcomes of their games. Granted that the real problem is in-fact illegal wagering and also that of the off-shore entities that the Federal Government has no jurisdiction over. But here we’re talking about two states’ governments that are proposing bills , that in large part there’d be a an agency overseeing the operations of the various entities that would seek to operate within their jurisdiction. It is not a threat to the dominance of the existence to any of the four governing sport’s bodies. But they’d have you believe that there is indeed a perceived threat to their existence. And the very fact that with this renewed effort by both Delaware and New Jersey , that there’d be some sort of mayhem caused.

Gov Arnold Schwarzaneggar (R-Ca). He now faces a budget shortfall within the state in excess of $24 billion (dollars) and the state is now issuing IOU's to pay its creditors as a way of staving off bankruptcy. The federal government's stimulus package won't even make a dent in the state's overall situation. So much for Schwarzaneggar having declared himself a fiscally and socially aware conservative. Which is it ? picture appears courtesy of afp/ Jorge Ayala .........................

Each year , tens of billions of dollars are wagered on sporting events up and down the country. And it seems to have somehow escaped the notice of these commissioners that without the chance for bettors to do this . Sports as we know it wouldn’t be the spectacle that it is. I don’t know if there’s some sort of puritanical bias behind the argument being put forth by the quintet. But I’d like to think that they’ve somehow outgrown that sort of archaic thinking and mindset. If anything , above all it’s downright hypocritical . Given the fact that a number of college as well as professional teams have marketing tie-ins with gaming establishments and casinos.

Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Nc) . The former NFL player and now Congressman opposes any such legislation that would legalize gambling and in particular sports book betting within the states of Delaware and Nevada. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/ Tiffany Warren ......................

The gambling industry in the US is worth upwards of between $30-$45billion dollars a year and employs close to 400,000 people. So to be of the belief that there isn’t some undue benefit to the government or a state agency would be redundant to say the very least. For many states across the country with the very fact that the harsh economic environment that many now find themelves. They are indeed looking to other revenue streams in order to facilitate their budget shortfalls. The state of California this year alone faces a $24bn budget deficit shortfall this year alone. Somehow the predisposition of their Governator Arnold Schwarzeneggar to blow everything up within his midst , in order to solve a problem. Well it appears that it doesn’t seem to be working as of now, for the citizens of California. Or as a matter of fact for the state employees who are being in some cases being placed on prolonged furloughs or fired from their positions.

Now as to the wish of both states to have this legislation passed. It seems even more outlandish that Congress would also seek to make its voice heard on the matter. Most suprising of all is the very fact that former NFL player and now Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC) should come out in opposition to the proposals of both states. But it’s easy to understand the reason why , there. No lobbyist funds may have come betwee Shuler and him making a decision. But then I digress , not every federal legislator is corrupt. And the argument can also be pit forth that not every legislator is as altruistic as they’d have you believe.

Courtesy of USA Today:

Pro leagues, NCAA resist push by states to legalize betting ….

By Michael McCarthy and A J Perez of USA Today

It’s a sign of a lagging economy : American pro leagues and college and sports teams seeking new revenue through increasingly bold marketing relationships with gambling interests. It’s why team logos have begun appearing on state lottery tickets and why some basketball games have been played at casino hotels.

Now officials in Delaware and New Jersey, facing their own budget problems, say it’s time for a bolder move ,full scale legalized sports betting in states other than Nevada,currently the only place such activity is allowed. They are pushing hard to add legalized in-casino sports betting to their states gambling offerings , which include horse racing , lotteries , slot machines, and in Atlantic City – table games.

The plans are being resisted by the nation’s four major pro sports leagues- the NFL, the NBA , the NHL, and Major League Baseball- as well as the NCAA. Despite marketing arrangements that schools have with gambling, sports officials are asking a federal court to stop the Delaware effort, saying that widespread legalized betting would threaten the integrity of their sports by creating incentives for cheating and game-fixing.

That view is not unanimous among sports owners, however.

Joe Maloof, whose family owns the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs as well as the Palms casino resort in Las Vegas, says well regulated sports gambling would help prevent such problems. cont’d ………… see below for further details concerning this article

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The test for both legislatures will be to see if the bill is passed. And then to see whether not it can withstand the challenge of a suit as to its legitimacy within the Federal Court system by the parties concerned. In this case Major League Baseball (MLB) ,the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and finally the NCAA. In large part all five have close ties to the gaming industry in some for another. But to now see them to try and deprive a state of a way formulating a revenue stream in order to stave off economic duress. Well to my mind it smacks of hypocrisy. When these are the very same entities engratiate themselves upon states and municipalities up and down the country in order to obtain lucrative tax breaks that facilitate the building of their arenas and that in effect also allows them to conduct their very business.

Something is inherently wrong here if they are indeed allowed to challenge the veracity of what both states are trying to do. No one has yet to challenge each of the five upon the basis of how they operate and conduct their businesses. But here they are trying to dictate and legislate how states of Delaware and New Jersey ought to conduct their own by seeking recourse through the legal system.

This is something that it is odious in nature . But even more it smacks of collusion and if nothing else it is also depriving the two states and its citizens their very rights govern themselves in an appropriate fashion.

What are your thoughts on this matter ? Below also is a poll that you can participate in should you choose to. I look forward to reading your comments with a keen interest as to your responses.