[NU Sports] Ineligible player

[Jonathan Hodges]

Here's the AP article:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21082674/

Apparently the compliance didn't do its homework as the coaching staff
reportedly had no knowledge that the freshman was ineligible according to
Big Ten (not NCAA rules).

Therefore, there is a chance that the Big Ten could take action on the Penn
State game (since the previous game in which he played, Notre Dame, was a
non-conference matchup - and as well all know Michigan lost their first 2
games anyways).

I sincerely doubt there is any chance the Big Ten will force Michigan to
vacate a win within the season for something like one ineligible player -
such a large punishment would really be unprecedented especially at the
college level.  In fact, I am not sure if I know of any circumstance where a
team has had to forfeit a game from that same season (typically, like the
Michigan basketball recruiting scandal, the investigation takes place years
beyond that season and the wins are "erased" from the record books long
after it would have any impact on the season).  I'm not even sure what
recourse is available to the conference, although I would imagine it would
be things like reducing the number of scholarships or something like that
(since investigations like this are typically handled by the NCAA).

In any case, I wouldn't count on the Big Ten to step in and change the W/L
record of teams mid-season, especially since Michigan reported it themselves
and are obviously trying to avoid harsh consequences.

Jonathan

On 10/4/07, Dennis W. Brandt <tbng at comcast.net> wrote:
>
> By the way  ,has anyone seen the article suggesting Michigan may have had
> an ineligle player during their first few games and may have to forfeit
> those games?  Tough way to win one, but stay tuned !
>
> Believe me.  The story is in every Pennsylvania newspaper in headlines.
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Jonathan W. Hodges
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