We shift, quite drastically, our attention now to Storrs, where is appears as though the $#!+ has hit the fan . . . and some would say, about damn time:
The University of Connecticut has received notice from the NCAA which alleges 8 major violations, going well beyond the previously known one of numerous illegal calls and messages during the recruitment of former player Nate Miles (who was expelled from UConn before he played a single game). These other charges include improper benefits given to recruits, improper distribution of tickets to high-school coaches, and "a failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance" on the part of Jim Calhoun. Another serious allegation is that assistants Beau Archibald and Patrick Sellers "provided false and misleading information to NCAA investigators". Both men have resigned within the last week . . . one step ahead of the sheriff, so it appears.
A hearing, at which the University can defend itself, is scheduled for October 15th. If found guilty of these charges, they could face loss of scholarships and restrictions on recruiting, but punishment may not extend to a ban from postseason play nor the forfeiture of games, as no competitive advantage seems to have been gained . . . at least for THESE charges lodged to date.
The school just recently signed a 5-year extension to Calhoun's contract, yet Connecticut may be forced to Cut-Its-Connection to the man who took the program from obscurity to national prominence . . . and perhaps we know how now. There are definitely some blue Huskies in Storrs today. Well, you know what they say - U can Conn some of the people for a time, but it always bites you in the end.
