The NCAA Has Done It Again

What happened to using precedent as means to decide the penalty of a case? I am utterly confused by the NCAA’s ruling on the fiasco going on in Columbus, Ohio today. I do not want to hear the Ohio State athletic director and coaches say the players did not know better. Come on… I know the lawyers said to say these lines for the appeal, but no one really believes you.

Five Ohio State football players (including their starting quarterback, leading rusher, second leading receiver, and starting left tackle) are being punished for selling their autographed Big 10 Championship memorabilia (rings and game worn jerseys) in exchange for services at a tattoo parlor. The estimated amount paid for the goods was around $1,200 per player. All of the players are suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season, but their eligibility for the upcoming Sugar Bowl versus Arkansas on January 4^th has not been affected.

There is no consistency in the way that the NCAA punishes. Georgia WR A.J. Green, widely to be considered the most talented receiver in the nation, was suspended for the first four games of the season because he sold his game worn jersey from the 2009 Independence Bowl for $1,000 to an agent this summer. That means that the first four games Greene would have been able to play in he was suspended from doing so.

The same is also true for Alabama DL Marcell Darreus who was suspended the first two games of this season because of his involvement with an agent this summer, too.

Not the kids from OSU. No, they will be playing in the Sugar Bowl. Let’s assume they all forego senior seasons, which is becoming the general consensus, none of the five will receive punishment for their wrongdoings. I have to agree with ESPN’s Mark May. I can hardly believe that would be the case if Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet had sold his jerseys. I am sure he would be sitting out the Sugar Bowl because of the NCAA’s unfair treatment towards the SEC in these situations.

As for the Cam Newton saga and the penalties, or lack thereof… don’t get me started.