University of Missouri vs. NCAA – Harsh or harsh enough?
University of Missouri athletes are slowly learning their actions have consequences—even if it means being banned from NCAA postseason play altogether.
ESPN Upstate reported that following a two-year investigation into academic misconduct, the NCAA banned the university’s football, baseball, and softball programs from any postseason play. A three-year probation was placed on the entirety of the athletic department. The NCAA has also gone as far as trimming scholarships of those involved, taking $5,000 fines along with one percent of the football, baseball and softball budgets, and has placed recruitment restrictions. Despite the NCAA’s best efforts of a fair decision, some individuals consider the decision to be too harsh.
The NCAA released a statement following the decision, describing the case as severely violating standards with a Level I-Standard for the university and Level I-Aggravated for the tutor’s violations.
The case was first opened when a former tutor came forward saying she had violated NCAA ethical conduct after completing academic work for 12 student-athletes. Although ESPN didn’t specify as to whether the tutor was supported by the athletes to complete the work, she felt pressured to ensure the athletes passed certain courses, especially math courses. The tutor received a 10-year show-cause order, and any school looking to employ the tutor is to restrict her from athletic-related duties.
The Idaho County Free Press reported the university will be taking on the incredibly difficult process of appealing this decision. After the decision has been made following the appeal process, several months will have already passed. University of Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk felt that the Committee on Infractions had abused their power to apply penalties and the university would be doing everything to appeal the penalties.
While many University of Missouri students, alumni, and staff have been quick to go to battle for the university over the issue, the university should not be appealing the decision of the NCAA.
While some student athletes involved may have already received their degrees, it is important for the NCAA to show that there are consequences that follow poor actions. The NCAA would not have guidelines for ethical conduct if they were meant to be disobeyed.
Students are a direct reflection of the university and the standards and morals set forth by the university. By appealing the repercussions that are being faced over academic misconduct, the university almost makes it seem as if the actions completed by both the tutor and the athletes are completely acceptable—as if the university can just hit a reset button and pretend like nothing happened.
The common saying “you learn by doing” is very important and useful to understand the weight of the situation and why the NCAA is taking such drastic measures to ensure the University of Missouri athletics department learns its lesson. Without the tutor coming forward and the case being investigated, academic misconduct at the University of Missouri could have continued to increase and could have easily affected many more athletes and teams. If the NCAA denies the appeal, the organization will have created a learning experience for those athletic teams affected and could create a deeper understanding of ethics that can be brought into a professional career.
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