re: Ole Miss Sanctions - Based on What We Know

I understand why OM fans want to downplay it, but to point to a lack of evidence is pretty silly. I have zero connections and zero information regarding the investigation except what has been put out there. The investigators are obviously going to have more information. Regardless of that, it is undeniable fact that:

1) Tunsil took money. He admits it on camera. There is literally indisputable video evidence of him admitting it. He was suspended for the loaner cars, if I recall correctly, and not the draft night shenanigans.

2) At least one OM coach and probably members of the AD were involved in said activities. Again, clear as day texts/messages. This fact is probably furthered by texts/messages between Tunsil's stepdad and school officials.

3) I understand that you have to consider the source. I do think the stepdad has a very sharp axe to grind against OM. The problem is, a reputable magazine isn't going to run a story with no legs. The dude had bank records, messages, etc. He had some proof. You don't go through 100 hours of interviewing for a dead end. He probably doesn't have as much as opposing fans on here want to believe, but he's definitely got dirt.

4) OM has not been cooperating with this investigation well. They have tried to downplay the NCAA every step of the way and have been critical of the process every chance they get, particularly Freeze. That's not going to sit well when sanctions are handed out. I'm not saying Freeze should be coming out and saying "yeah, we cheated," but he is acting like he is above it, which clearly isn't the case (more violations occurred on his watch than previous staff, which was also information that the school mislead people on). In addition to that, the draft day hoopla showed NCAA that OM was not disclosing all information regarding Tunsil and them paying utility bills, so they know that there's stuff being hidden.

In comparison to USCw, Reggie Bush accepted gifts from agents, not school officials/coaches. The fact that the AD is even remotely involved makes me think the punishment will be, at minimum, what USCw got. I know people think Pete Carroll was aware, and he probably was, but that isn't what the NCAA punished them for, probably due to lack of proof. Couple that with the new stricter head coach accountability rules, OM is going to get, at the very least, what USCw got (in my opinon).

I'm not saying I agree with the NCAA. My personal belief is that the NCAA circumvents the fundamental principles of capitalism and free-market economics with its rules regarding amateur status, but that's another argument for another time. I also believe that most D1 schools are doing things like this to varying degrees (in fact, working in the LSU bar scene in undergrad confirmed, for me at least, that it happens at LSU). It sucks for OM, but objectively considering what is out there, the fact that the NCAA knows considerably more than me, what has happened to other teams in the past, and the new rules in place, it is hard to see OM getting something less than what USCw got.

TL;DR - I'm rolling with a 6 or 7. 2-3 year bowl ban, at least 15 scholarships, fines, and some coaches getting some suspensions.