Yeah that makes sense. I wonder why he has not signed it if it has been offered? Is there still an ongoing NCAA investigation of the matter?
Tom, you surprise me,winning means more to you then lying over and over again? Keep this guy no matter what...ethics?
There is a difference between "win at all costs" and giving someone a second chance after a major issue. Do we put DWI offenders in front of the firing squad? No, even if their actions end the lives of others, they are punished and eventually let back on the streets (given a second chance). Am I disappointed in Pearl? Yes I am. If Tennessee released Bruce, what would you say about any program that picks him up? You think this guy should go on unemployment and become a street urchin? I know it hasn't happened, but if Urban was found making similar mistakes, what would you expect UF to do?
My disconnect on this is that if Pearl or any other coach, Brian Kelly or Mike Brey or Mack Brown is given a pass by the NCAA on lying to them, then in the future no player should have their eligibility revoked liked Dez Bryant either. I would be ok if Pearl were not permitted to recruit for at least a year, off campus, not permitted to make phone calls or text messages, he can not go to AAU or HS games or showcases. He can meet with recruits in his office only on the campus of Tenn.
Terry reinforces my earlier point. Players are either suspended or totally banned when they lie to the NCAA. What are the consequences to Coach Pearl for the same offense? :?:
Maurice Clarett.....MC was dismissed from the team for lying to NCAA investigators. Never played another down and several years later wound up on the wrong side of the law. The polar opposite end of the spectrum....Troy Smith told the truth to NCAA investigators, was suspended, did his time and wound up winning the Heisman Trophy.
He lied from the get-go, and when he had a chance to come clean, he lied to the NCAA. This could have been a slap on the wrist had he not asked kids to lie....parents to lie....etc. How could administration allow this guy to stay with a pay cut and no off campus visits, as others have stated. If a kid lies to the NCAA, he is no longer allowed to participate. If UT chooses to fire him, and someone decides to hire him, it's BUYER BEWARE. Nothing wrong with coaching NAIA or JUCO. I would hope that UF given similar circumstances, would get rid of any coach that would continue the string of lies, as Pearl did. I'm all for second chances, but not necessarily at the university's expense.
My last comment on this topic: Yes, Bruce lied to the NCAA. I remember another person that lied. He is still drawing his salary for the rest of his natural life. He lied to the American people and to congress as well as lying under oath. If Clinton was not impeached for his transgressions against the American people, and is still drawing a salary from my tax dollars, maybe we shouldn't be so harsh on Bruce.
Probably time to let this topic go, we've all had our say and really it's not fair to Tom. He has no say in the matter. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.
Terry, This has no reflection on Tom certainly and it is really no reflection on Coach Pearl, my real concern is why is it that only players get punished more harshly for lying to the NCAA? I think it is up to Tennessee how they handle this with Coach Pearl, why is it not up to Tennessee if a player lies to the NCAA?
I agree kp, there is no consistency here...the matter isn't settled finally so we'll see what happens.