Jim Calhoun was suspended by the NCAA for three games next season (WHY NEXT SEASON??) for recruiting violations. The consensus is that U. Conn dodged major sanctions when it was spared a postseason ban.
Calhoun was cited by the NCAA for failing to create an atmosphere of compliance within his program and was suspended for the first three Big East games during the 2011-12 season. Can anyone explain to us how it makes sense to suspend him for next season rather than right now??
The NCAA also hit UConn with scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, permanent disassociation of a booster and three years’ probation.
As a part of the disassociation of the booster, the university will not be able to accept financial contributions, recruiting assistance or provide him with any benefits and/or privileges.
The head of the Infractions Committee says that Calhoun will serve the suspension next year because UConn could appeal the decision. That does not seem like a very good explanation because the delay of the penalty does not even require an appeal.
“I am very disappointed with the NCAA’s decision in this case,” Calhoun said. “My lawyer and I are evaluating my options and will make a decision which way to proceed. In the meantime, I will not make any further statements about the case as our program prepares for what I hope will be an exciting and successful postseason.”
The NCAA and the school have been investigating the program since shortly after a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide recruit Nate Miles to Connecticut, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.
As a former team manager, Nochimson is considered a representative of UConn’s athletic interests by the NCAA and prohibited from giving Miles anything of value.
The school said it found that the basketball staff exchanged more than 1,400 calls and 1,100 text messages with Nochimson between June 2005 and December 2008.
ESPN’s Pat Forde says that suspending Calhoun for one-sixth of conference play is proof that protecting the head coach at all costs — is no longer acceptable. However, despite the imposition of a penalty, the punishment does not seem very harsh
Members of the coaching staff also provided 32 impermissible complimentary tickets to individuals responsible for teaching or directing activities with prospective student-athletes.
