It was decided yesterday that Alabama football would have to vacate 21 wins over three seasons and be under the super-scrutiny of NCAA probation for 3 seasons. They will not, however, lose any scholarships. Chris Low has had some fun talking about what that means "never happened", including Tyrone Prothro's A-MA-ZING catch against SoMiss. But, does that also mean that his horrendous, disgusting, leg-snapping injury (no vid included, sickos, look it up yourself if you hate humanity that much) against Florida was for nothing? Just a thought.
As far as real effect, there's been much debate whether this is a true punishment or not. The wins go away, but the losses for the other teams do not. Teams don't suddenly become bowl eligible or get better bowl games. So, some would say, 'What's the Point?' But, others say it means more in the Internet/win-loss coaching clause era of CFB.
By the way, it's worth reading both of the pieces to get a little extra insight into this situation and athletic-castigation in general. Clay Travis' piece explains the actual infraction in clearer detail, as well.
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UPDATE: Here's a list of the vacated wins:
2005
Middle Tennessee
Southern Miss
South Carolina
Arkansas
Florida
Mississippi
Tennessee
Utah State
Mississippi State
Texas Tech (Cotton Bowl)
2006
Hawai'i
Vanderbilt
Louisiana-Monroe
Duke
Ole Miss
Florida International
2007
Western Carolina
Vanderbilt
Arkansas
Houston
Mississippi
They do, apparently, get to keep the '07 Tennessee blowout win (h/t Clay Travis).
It's like Colin Cowherd says: "If they're not taking away scholarships, then what's the point? That's the only way to hurt teams like Alabama."
ReplyDeleteIt still feels a little good, though, I have to admit.