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NCAA punishment- Is it fair?

The University of Southern California has been viewed as football powerhouse for years. The football program has recently been under a 4-year investigation for violating NCAA rules.  While still a student at USC, star player Reggie Bush is said to have received many gifts from sports agents including a house, and a new suit for the Heisman ceremony. NCAA rules specifically state

            “Under NCAA Bylaw 12.3, a student-athlete (any individual who currently participates in or who may be eligible in the future to participate in intercollegiate sport) may not agree verbally or in writing to be represented by an athlete agent in the present or in the future for the purpose of marketing the student-athlete's ability or reputation. If the student-athlete enters into such an agreement, the student-athlete is ineligible for intercollegiate competition. Also, a student-athlete may not accept transportation or other benefits from an athlete agent. This prohibition applies to the student-athlete and his or her relatives or friends.”  

The NCAA ruled that Reggie Bush violated these rules and found him to be ineligible starting in 2004. According to ESPN, the “penalties include the loss of 30 football scholarships over 3 years and 14 victories in games in which Bush played.” The Heisman Committee may also have to do an investigation of its 2005 winner.  

NCAA has many rules for students and agents to abide by and I believe there should be a punishment when broken. However, stripping the program of scholarships, victories and a national title seem unfair to everyone else involved in the program. After this story, the NCAA really paid attention and narrowed in on many different rules being broken.

This story is a BIG deal in the college world. Schools and athletes have to tread carefully to make sure they are following EVERY NCCA rule. No program wants to go through what USC is going through. USC has been banned from bowl games for 2 years, will be under probation for 4 year and has lost many scholarships.

There are many different viewpoints on this situation. Some feel Reggie Bush did nothing wrong, others feel it was USC’s duty to protect its student athlete. Personally I think the punishment is excessive and very over the top. There will be students suffering for this mistake for years. They had NOTHING to do with it!!

Other football programs need to take this has a sign; the NCAA does NOT play when it comes to rules. If the program breaks the rules they will have to pay for it. Coaches, students, athletes and fans have to suffer for the mistake of 1 player. Will other players learn? Judging from the Tyrell Pryor situation, the answer is no. College athletes need to learn that NCAA rules are there for their protection. When broken, everything can be taken away in an instant. What is more important, a gift here and there or reputation? Think before you act