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Integrity not Sampson’s concern
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Also by Jonah Braun:
- Integrity not Sampson's concern (February 21, 2008)
- Badgers have trouble stopping opponent inside (February 15, 2008)
- Patient Badgers look to move on (February 14, 2008)
- Missouri Valley mediocre at best (February 14, 2008)
- Comeback falls short as Badgers blow early lead (February 11, 2008)
Related Stories:
- Road warriors head to Indiana (January 31, 2007)
- Inconsistencies plague conference (February 21, 2007)
- Sports' bad boys need punishing (February 20, 2008)
- 'Horse race': Big Ten title up for grabs in '06-07 (November 1, 2006)
by Jonah Braun
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Any sport’s value can only be measured by its integrity. Every league has its ups and downs, but throughout history, the main point factoring into a sport’s success is its unequivocal principles and ethics that should not be broken.
In that regard, college basketball must leap over its most recent bump in the road. Indiana University head coach Kelvin Sampson was accused of violating five NCAA recruiting violations Feb. 8. Often viewed as a basketball genius, Sampson this season has led a strong Indiana team to a solid record in the Big Ten and a much-feared lineup featuring likely Big Ten Player of the Year Eric Gordon and forward D.J. White — both of whom are destined for the NBA.
Yet, Sampson’s actions are not the first in the NCAA’s history. In fact, one could go back to recent memory of the University of Michigan scandal. In short, a man named Ed Martin paid several college basketball players — including the stars Maurice Taylor, Robert Traylor, Chris Webber and Louis Bullock — to play for the Wolverines. And as a result, Michigan’s athletic program imposed strict sanctions that, among other bad results, took 112 wins away from Michigan’s record and erased two Final Four appearances from school memory.
Michigan handled the situation in the only possibly smart way — by eliminating the players, records and titles from school memory. In doing so, it allowed the NCAA to make an easy decision and accept the Wolverines’ apology to college sports.
Now, Indiana is faced with a similar situation. Through the accusations, Indiana representatives have been anything but clear to the media. They are still looking into the situation, and have yet to impose any sanctions on Sampson or the men’s basketball team at Indiana.
This is not the first time Sampson has sparked some controversy. Recruiting Gordon, who verbally committed to the University of Illinois, without speaking to Illinois head coach Bruce Weber is still seen as an immoral move.
Furthermore, when he coached at Oklahoma, Sampson was the center of controversy when his Sooners team was investigated for three years and eventually was charged with making more than 550 illegal recruiting phone calls, and as a result, was placed under probation, during which he could not recruit outside the Bloomington campus for an entire year.
Remember that Michigan imposed the sanctions on itself — the NCAA did not recommend any action. As a result, the NCAA may have looked at Michigan, along with its athletic director Bill Martin in a positive light and in the aftermath, NCAA officials exerted no further penalties on the Wolverines’ basketball program.
So for now, only time will tell to see if the Hoosiers respond similarly to Michigan’s harsh stance against cheating and improper recruiting. Though basketball fans and maybe even NCAA officials may not see Sampson’s illegal recruitment as terrible a crime as Michigan’s in the 1990s, it still should not be taken lightly.
However, even if Sampson’s actions were not as severe as Ed Martin’s and the four star players at Michigan, the fact remains that, if proven guilty, he will have violated five NCAA rules and Indiana may be liable for not investigating the issue earlier with more urgency.
Now the question can be raised — are Indiana’s wins this season legitimate? There was already much controversy surrounding Sampson when he recruited Gordon. If proven that his recruiting was, in fact, illegal, it seems that Indiana has no other choice but to act as if the 2007-08 season never occurred.
Sampson’s actions could have ruined Indiana’s basketball future for several years. Looking again at history, after Michigan’s major offense, the Wolverines have not had a successful men’s basketball team since the whole scandal. Perhaps it is the fact that players do not want to play at a school where such controversy occurred.
It took more than a decade for Michigan to recruit a top player, and that person has finally arrived in freshman Manny Harris, who is beginning to bring back life to the Wolverine squad.
This recruiting debacle could take a huge toll on Indiana’s future, and even if Sampson resigns or is fired, the stain of indecency will remain on every Hoosier uniform. The 2007-08 season will be regarded as a travesty, and many basketball fans —especially Indiana fans — will hope to forget its existence.
Indiana athletic officials now have an important decision to make — whether they support Sampson’s strong coaching ability, or if they will not accept his illegal actions and get rid of the person who has caused the school so much unwanted recent national attention.
For now, Sampson will continue to coach the Hoosiers, but if he is found guilty, it will be difficult to argue in his favor, and Indiana must do something to begin to wipe away his dishonor to the Hoosiers and college basketball
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:04am):
You state: "Now, Indiana is faced with a similar situation. Through the accusations, Indiana representatives have been anything but clear to the media. They are still looking into the situation, and have yet to impose any sanctions on Sampson or the men’s basketball team at Indiana." Please confirm your facts, before you write your articles. In fact, IU took away $500,000 from Kelvin Sampson, fired assistant coach Rob Senderoff, in effect made Senderoff's replacement (Dan Dakich) position irrelevant for one year due to imposing recruiting restrictions on him and took away one scholarship. If these aren't sanctions, what do you call them?
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:10am):
You stated I.U. has not taken any action,...
They fired an ass't coach, didn't pay KS a
half million dollar bonus, and took away one
scholarship. What's that? Phil
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:28am):
How can you say they have taken no action? when they self-reported the incident last summer, they fined Kelvin smpson $500,000 and took away one scholarship. They just received the newest allegations from the NCAA on 9 February. Last time I looked, allegations were not considered proof of anything, but do require investigation. That is what they are doing. Your journalistic and ethical standards are questionable at best. I suppose that is an oxymoro to use journalist and ethics in the same sentence.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:34am):
This is the most inaccurate, unthoughtful and pointless article out of hundreds that I have read about the Sampson situation. Comparing Sampson's transgressions to the Michigan fiasco is unintelligible. Also, to say that IU waited to long to investigate makes no sense. They investigated immediately and comprehensively and reported what they were able to discover. Indiana did not have the subpeona power that the NCAA does.
The writer does not in any way comprehend the complex dynamics of the situation. The article is nothing but an over-generalized timeline. If there is no new and intelligent analysis - don't waste the ink!
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:35am):
Are Indiana's wins legitimate? Of course they are. There are no concerns over player eligibility - just recruiting violations against their coach. In fact, the violations themselves pale in comparison to the way IU nation feels about the accusations of lying and covering things up.
I think it's wishful thinking for Badger fans to hope that Indiana's wins don't count.
Jonah, clearly not your best effort here.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:37am):
Comparing the stupid mistakes Sampson made to what went down at Michigan is a complete joke. To say that Indiana needs to punish itself to the same level is ridiculous. Plus, after all this goes down Indiana will not go through the same dead period that Michigan went through.
Terry Taylor (February 21, 2008 @ 7:41am):
I don't think you penalize the players for a coaches violations. Indiana isn't Michigan. Regardless of what penalties are imposed, I don't think Indiana will suffer through ten years of sub par performance. Basketball talent runs rampant in this state. It may be that we won't get any Parade All Americans for a while, but it may allow a few unnoticed Indiana kids to represent their state university. Can you say Cheaney? Nover? Coverdale? I hope we get another shot at Wisconsin in the Big Ten tourney. Thanks.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:44am):
sampson violated 5 violations?!? you're violating the english language. your editor should "eliminate" your column from the record. children should work as paper boys, not writers.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:49am):
"They [Indiana] are still looking into the situation, and have yet to impose any sanctions on Sampson or the men’s basketball team at Indiana."
Well, in fact Sampson appears to be a scumbag, but it is equally deplorable for a member of the media to right fiction and pass it off as fact. After these most recent violations came to light, Indiana withheld a bonus payment to Sampson of at least $500,000, and reduced the total number of available scholarships in the men's basketball program. So this writer's assertion that Indiana has yet to impose any sanction was an unresearched, lazy and false assertion. Good job Jonah! You must be so proud of your work.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 7:55am):
There is not a single allegation in the IU or NCAA report regarding anything improper about Sampson's involvement with Eric Gordon. Why is it so hard for reporters to understand that?
Eric Gordon approached IU after the coaching change. He'd always wanted to play there, he just did not want to play for Mike Davis. This was about an 18 year old kid changing his mind when circumstances changed. Get over it and focus your articles on the real issues (the real NCAA allegations).
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 8:04am):
KS is not being investigated for recruiting Eric Gordon "illegally", thus it's hard to argue the validity of IU's season. Also, to compare phone calls to paying players is a huge stretch. That being said, I'm sure Indiana will take a course of action that will allow it to maintain its squeaky clean, 0 tolerance image. In other words, don't expect to see KS on the IU bench again.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 8:06am):
Sampson should be and will be fired. That having been said, this sophomoric, fictional blather lacks any semblance of reason. Comparing phone calls to paying players is ludicrous. This columnist has little grasp of any of the facts of either situation. More than a decade without talent? Michigan has attracted significant talent over the past 5-7 years - Harris, Pettway, multiple 5 star recruits - this was Amaker's ultimate downfall - he couldn't win with his considerable talent.
Sampson will pay for his mistakes with his job, but remember he lied to the university as well. Next time try to compare apples to apples - perhaps Brett Bielama's insistence upon playing a felon defensive back and only suspending him for away games - maybe saving him from a lumpy hotel bed. This strikes me as a worse stain on a program than a phone call.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 8:11am):
The facts in this article are not completely accurate when you say, "Through the accusations, Indiana representatives have been anything but clear to the media. They are still looking into the situation, and have yet to impose any sanctions on Sampson or the men’s basketball team at Indiana."
IU self-reported the matter to the NCAA, they took away a $500,000 bonus from Coach Sampson, and essentially forced an assistant Coach to resign.
With the NCAA's response, they began an investigation to determine the appropriate next steps, which makes all the sense in the world. If they fire Coach Sampson, which is a likely outcome, they don't want to get sued for not doing due diligence (ala Jim O'Brien at OSU).
It's easy for you to post a desire for swift action when it does not affect your pocket book as a writer. Let's stop with the hyperbole and sensationalism and really examine the facts at-hand. If you don't have access to the facts, because there is an ongoing investigation, then be patient like the rest of us and then comment.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 8:33am):
You need to get your facts correct. Indiana did impose sanctions on itself, the most notable being a $500,000 fine that Sampson had to pay personally. The other sanctions involved future recruiting restrictions and a reduction in scholarships. Why penalize a player like DJ White by taking away his records. Did he receive money and Ford Explorers to play for Indiana Like the Michigan players had)? The punishment has to fit the crime.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:03am):
Jonah - you do not have all of your facts right. INDIANA discovered Sampson's violations and have already imposed sanctions on itself, including taking away scholarships and dramatically decreasing the number of recruiting visits its coaches can make. INDIANA reported the violations to to the NCAA as soon as it had done its own investigation. The difference between Indiana's conclusions (secondary violations) and the NCAA's (major violations) is that the NCAA was able to interview people that IU could not. Through that they were able to determine that Sampson's actions were intentional and that he was lying. That is what lifted the violations from secondary to major and is why IU is likely to suspend Sampson tomorrow with the intention of terminating his contract with cause.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:08am):
I find this article interesting, coming from the paper that covers one of the major cheap shot college basketball teams in the country. Last night for instance, the shot on Randle by on of Ryan's goons, that knocked Randle out of the game, is an everygame occurance for Ryan's teams. He preaches knocking people out of the game, hurting people, and then is the biggest crybaby in the world about the officials, both during the game and in the press. I can only hope that the favor is returned to Ryan's cheap shot artists before this year is over.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:13am):
did you just call iu's situation similar to michigan's?
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:18am):
Terrible article....
Paying players to come and talking on a phone to players who aren't on the team are completely different!
IU has already done some punishing and will most likely do more with the firing of Sampson.
This story wouldn't be that big of a deal if it wasn't at top-tier program like Indiana.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:35am):
Jonah Braun is an extremely talented individual with skills that are masterful. He is truly one the best columnists out there and has a promising future on the national stage. His award winning journalism is a model for others.
See - it's not so hard to write fiction. As I will quote Bob Knight, "All of us learn to write in the second grade. Most of us go on to greater things."
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:37am):
Jonah Braun,
While others have punctured numerous holes in your shoddy work, I would like to touch on yet another of your factual errors.
You write, "It took more than a decade for Michigan to recruit a top player, and that person has finally arrived in freshman Manny Harris, who is beginning to bring back life to the Wolverine squad."
Have you heard of Daniel Horton, Brent Petway, Courtney Sims, or Deshaun Sims? All of them were extremely highly ranked coming out of high school, and they are from the past 5 years.
While your sensationalism and disregard for the truth is disturbing, it is not very surprising coming from a person of your ilk.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:40am):
I'm a diehard Wisconsin fan, but I have to agree with the Indiana fans that this is the most irresponsible piece of journalism I've read so far on the situation with Sampson. There are virtually no facts backing up the accusations and it's clear the author has not done his research. I'm embarrassed that this was even published in a Wisconsin-based periodical.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 10:00am):
You are an idiot. Have you read any of the allegations, or watched anything on the subject? Gordon didn't appear anywhere in the investigation. In fact it names the 2 Purdue Freshman that were involved. You really should do some research before writing this stuff, or at least subscribe to a cable provider that carries ESPN.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 10:29am):
One comment to add to the barrage above. The premise of this article - that the success of sports is based primarily on its principles and ethics - is a farce. The success of sports is based on a number of factors, but if you are really a student of sports history, it is clear that ethics had very little to do with it, at least if you measure success in terms of fan support, revenue, or any other rational measure.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 10:29am):
The players that play for my aau teams don't answer most of their phone calls. So what seems like a lot of phone calls to a recruit in reality may be a coach trying to make a contact and never getting through, but going to voice mail. Or it may be talking to someone in the family who will tell the recruit he got a call. Once again no contact. I happen to think that calling a recruit does not help much and can actually work against you because it makes the recruit think you are desperate. Now to say that is on the same level as paying a recruit is quite a stretch. But if it is important for you to make a program look like a cheater, it is an easy call. I think we all take this recruiting thing to seriously. Eric Gordon plays at Indiana because he is from Indiana and he likes Indiana. I think the girl in the crowd at the game against Purdue said it best. Kelvin can do a three way with me anytime. This is basketball. It is entertainment. It is supposed to be fun. You are making it like work and ruining it for those of us who love the game and want to enjoy watching them play and beat the opponent. I guess that is why I am not a writer. I don't want to micro-manage the team or be critical of every move. I just want to cheer deleriously when we put a whuppin on someone who thinks they are pretty good. We are 22-4 and the boys are playing pretty well. Lets be happy.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 10:43am):
I stopped reading after your second error of saying IU had not taken any action as of yet. You also incorrectly identified Gordon as the BT Player of the year, when everyone in the BT agrees that it is DJ White who is running away with that accolade. Get a clue before you start typing.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 10:45am):
This article is the equivalent of a flamewar thread on a message board. I guess that makes you a journalistic troll.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 12:19pm):
"If proven that his recruiting was, in fact, illegal, it seems that Indiana has no other choice but to act as if the 2007-08 season never occurred."
Jonah, you were high when you wrote this, weren't you? You might want to switch majors. Journalism clearly isn't your forte.
Jonah Braun (February 21, 2008 @ 12:33pm):
Thanks for all the comments, I'm glad to see people are reading my articles. I'd like to respond to a few of the comments that continue to be repeated.
First, I did not mention that IU took $500,000 from Sampson. Indeed, that is a pretty hefty toll, but the point of the article was to recognize that Indiana's immediate reaction was hazy. It's been almost two weeks since the allegations, and Sampson is still coaching. Though that may change tomorrow, IU decided to keep him around to coach against Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Purdue. So whether or not you think I'm a terrible writer for not mentioning the fine that IU imposed on Sampson, remember that they kept him in the coaching position to face its three toughest opponents this season.
Second, to those who think that ethics have nothing to do with sports, I strongly disagree. Looking at history, why is there so much emphasis on gambling in the MLB? Because the Black Sox threw a series and challenged the integrity of the sport. You think basketball fans weren't disappointed when Michigan forfeited 112 wins? What about the most current issue, steroids in baseball? I can keep going, but I think most of you know what I mean.
Third, I did not say that Eric Gordon was illegally recruited. I said that he was "immorally recruited." That, though some people here wouldn't believe me, was a hot topic especially on the ESPN wire last year when Gordon was recruited.
Fourth, there are plenty of facts backing up the accusation, and it has still taken Indiana two weeks to respond.
Once again, I'm glad to see that people are reading my articles, and I encourage you to read more. To get my point across, the one I think all of you are missing, I will quote the Associated Press on one of the accusations on Kelvin Sampson's illegal recruiting.
"Sampson provided false and misleading information to university and NCAA investigators, failed to promote a high standard of honesty in the program and did not promote an atmosphere of compliance."
That is what this article is supposed to say, and it seems like some of you failed to recognize that.
In regard to the personal attacks, I at least hope that you make a thoughtful comment before ridiculing my writing and journalistic abilities.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 1:13pm):
Back off fellas. I'd LOVE to see all of you try to write an article on this. And if you're going to bash a writer, at least have the guts to put your name down. You're all cowards. Braun makes a good point. Indiana hasn't really said much about the situation, and I'm sick and tired of big-time universities getting away with this stuff and then Wisconsin gets hammered for the whole "shoe-box" scandal awhile back. It's time to stop giving Ohio State and Indiana free passes when it comes to violations. They should have to pay like all the other schools. They seemed to have "swept the issue under the rug" and almost want to act like it never happened after their recent victories. All I can say is Indiana darn well better be appropriately punished for this. For all you who are saying "It's only phone calls," take a closer look. It's five MAJOR NCAA violations. It's not "only phone calls." Especially since he lied about it and then continued making calls.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 1:13pm):
Kelvin Sampson may not have integrity but your comparison of the situation at Indiana to that of the one at Michigan in the 90's is a dramatic stretch
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 5:16pm):
Everyone here who posted negative remarks or attacks on the author should get a life.
The author is entitled to his opinion and the fact that you all took the time to write stupidity just shows how you have way too much time on your hands.
Read an article,hate or like it, and move on.
Anonymous (February 21, 2008 @ 9:41pm):
Jonah,
I thought it was a solid arcticle. Don't sweat these abusive comments. It's just immaturity and insecurity. Pick yourself up and dust yourself off. Wisconsin is behind you.
Leon Tarlow (February 21, 2008 @ 10:06pm):
WOW! WOW! WOW!
What Sampson did is definitely despicable! Did the writers of the "smart comments on Braun's article have half as much to say about that? It seems that they are trying to ignore the fact that they back something so messed up.
If you want to disagree with someone say what you disagree with and why. Try not to show your immaturity by writing that Braun writes like a second grader and the such.
I hope this is not a reflection of what the Indiana students will be adding to the world.
One more thing. I understand why they posted anonymously, I would too if I had the same stupidity to say.
Merce Thornberry (February 22, 2008 @ 10:40am):
Indiana has always won because were were the best. Not because we cheat.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AgEyux6v9xyUhyLHIp0Vd685nYcB?slug=dw-sampson022108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Anonymous (February 22, 2008 @ 4:09pm):
Get real! Sampson's illegal phone calls are a big reason he gets some of the big name recruits. Coaches all know building a relationship over time is a key in getting a recruit to sign. Coaches limiting themselves to the alloted number of calls in the proper time periods are put at a dis-advantage by Sampson making several additional calls. Sure his current players he recruited will stand by him - they know the rules and that they were illegally contacted by him, and they signed with IU anyway. IU hired a cheat, sanctioned him when he cheated again, and now should fire him for lying to both IU and the NCAA about cheating.
Anonymous (February 22, 2008 @ 9:58pm):
The two dumbest things said on this entire page are as follows:
1)"Next time try to compare apples to apples - perhaps Brett Bielama's insistence upon playing a felon defensive back and only suspending him for away games - maybe saving him from a lumpy hotel bed."
First off, his name is BRET Bielema and Lance Smith was not a defensive back, he was a running back. Maybe YOU should do YOUR research before writing fictitious statements.
2) "He preaches knocking people out of the game, hurting people, and then is the biggest crybaby in the world about the officials, both during the game and in the press. I can only hope that the favor is returned to Ryan's cheap shot artists before this year is over. "
You are the biggest idiot of all the Big Ten fans out there. If you have a clue about Bo Ryan, you would know that nothing would be further from the truth. Get your far, overweight butt out of your mom's couch and learn about the coach before you make those kind of accusations.
Basically when it is said and done, these two Anonymous bums are the ones that really look unethical, not the writer.
Anonymous (February 24, 2008 @ 5:55pm):
this is the best article I read in about a mumf
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