For my picks on each Big 12 game in week 9, check out the latest edition of ConferenceChatterTV below:
The NCAA put down its iron fist this week and ruled Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant ineligible for the remainder of the season.
It’s a ridiculous ruling that doesn’t make much sense.
Bryant lied to the NCAA when questioned about his interaction with Deion Sanders. Bryant panicked when officials questioned him, thinking his meeting with Sanders was potentially an NCAA violation. It wasn’t. He simply visited Sanders’ home in Dallas, had dinner with Prime Time and talked to him about the NFL.
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Oct/29/Georgia_Oklahoma_St_Football.jpg
It didn’t take Bryant long to fess up and admit he lied to the NCAA. For his honesty, it’s bogus he was suspended for the remainder of the season.
Bryant is a 20-year-old kid who admitted his mistake. There’s been college athletes who have done a lot worse.
• About four years ago, Yahoo! Sports reported Reggie Bush committed several major infractions while playing college football and winning the Heisman Trophy at USC. The report stated Bush and his family accepted financial benefits worth more than $100,000. Nothing’s happened to Bush or USC.
• O.J. Mayo accepted thousands of dollars in cash and gifts in his one and only season (2007-08) at USC. Roughly a year later in June 2009, former USC coach Tim Floyd resigned following allegations that he gave $1,000 in cash to a man who made sure Mayo would play basketball at USC. Still nothing from the NCAA on Mayo or USC.
• Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount was suspended for punching a Boise State player in the face following the 2009 season opener for both teams. Oregon coach Chip Kelly initially suspended Blount for the entire season, but recently reduced the punishment, saying Blount could return from suspension on Nov. 7 if he met certain guidelines. The final approval will be in the hands of the Pac-10.
So there’s a possibility that Blount, a guy who inexplicably lost his temper and punched someone in the face, returns, while Bryant is barred from the field for the remainder of the season? Something’s off here.
I’ll tell you this much: Bryant’s done with college football. He’ll likely enter the 2010 NFL Draft, where he’ll be a first-round pick. ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have Bryant as their No. 1 wide receiver on the board.
There’s little chance Bryant passes on his payday in the NFL, particularly since the league could enforce a rookie wage scale in 2011. Bryant is likely to bolt for the pros and the money.
At this point, though, after this frustrating ruling from the NCAA, I can’t say I blame him.
That should be all for now, friends. As always, discuss.
