March madness has always been a fun time for sport enthusiasts. High school state tourneys for basketball and hockey...along with the NCAA basketball tournament. I still remember staying up 15 years ago to watch the classic Apple Valley vs. Duluth East hockey game that went into numerous overtimes with David Spehar being the scrappy star of the tournment. Yes...there seems to be a buzz in the air.
It was about this time in March 10 years ago when allegations were leaked to the Pioneer Press and MN Daily (student paper) that someone was paid $3000 to write papers and complete assignments for some stars on the men's b-ball time. Talk about the timing...the team was about to play in their 1st round game of the tournament. What I remember most was the gloomy mood on campus. Major dissapointment. Embarrassment. Shock. Self-imposed sanctions by President Yudof and NCAA sanctions on the team and Coach Haskins were severe but simply the right thing to do.
Some possible lessons learned by everyone: some people do get away with cheating. but when it's exposed that a high profile team has compromised on academic integrity...the consequences are tough and unfriendly.
I would say that most people approved of Yudof's course of action with the team. Time has passed. The team image is now improved and morale is good with Coach Tubby. Go Gophers!
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