Take it Easy, NCAA, Take it Easy

Earlier today the NCAA came to a conclusion on its punishment for the University of Southern California’s sport’s violations. The verdict on the university’s lack of institutional control? USC football will lose 10 scholarships for each of the next three seasons, is being forced to vacate any victories that Reggie Bush participated in starting in December 2004 and is banned from 2010 and 2011 season bowl games. Their basketball team also has to give up one scholarship, forfeit any wins from the 2006-7 season and ban itself from the 2010 postseason. On top of no longer being allowed to associate with Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo (the two players highlighted in the investigation), USC will also be forced to repay the $200,000 it got for participating in the NCAA tournament.

According to the NY Times, these USC penalties are the harshest the NCAA has given to any university since 1986 when they shut down the Southern Methodist football program for two years. Yes, we all knew USC would at least get a slap on the wrist, but I think this was the rough equivalent of a public spanking. It might not be right to break the rules, but I think there are much worse things the university could be doing besides pampering their athletes. Take it easy, NCAA.