Generally, I find this a strangely premised thread with a peculiar multiple choice answer list. Being a supporter of Men’s and Women’s sports I think these “versus” threads tend to end up in late night, blind alley, knife fights.
BUT, as Bemidjigopher mentioned, please let us not forget the Cheryl Littlejohn era.
And yes it was a big general news story. And of course Littlejohn went to Chicago State and was pretty quickly fired for similar transgressions.
http://www.gophersports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/051501aaa.html
The report, said Brown, found a pattern of deliberate rules violations in the women's basketball program by Head Coach Cheryl Littlejohn. Together, the violations are likely to be considered a major infractions case by the NCAA.
"The university is deeply disappointed and troubled by these findings," said Brown. "Our coaches have an obligation to both know and follow NCAA rules, and the pattern of disregard for the rules that is reflected in this report is simply unacceptable."
In his summary of the key findings, the General Counsel described three categories of infractions:
* Improper offers, inducements or impermissible benefits, including giving student-athletes cash and gifts and the use of third parties such as parents or other student-athletes to obscure Littlejohn's involvement in the violations.
* Interference by Littlejohn in a prior investigation, which constitutes unethical conduct.
* Violations of rules related to limits on practice time and evaluation of prospects. These rules are designed to ensure one team does not have a competitive advantage over others. The NCAA considers their disregard to be a serious infraction.
WOMEN'S ATHLETICS DIRECTOR CHRIS VOELZ' COMMENTS FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Some eight weeks ago, some 21 young women brought me their concerns. I want to thank them for bringing forward the issues that violated our culture and for having the patience to withstand the last two months of uncertainty. I commit to them that we will find a new coach - one who will have a competitive spirit, yet compassion and commitment to the values of our department and the institution.
I want to let the people of Minnesota know how sorry I am that this ever happened. Ultimately, I am responsible for providing the clear expectations and the environment that should safeguard against such intolerable actions. I am humbled to admit that no matter the checks and balances, it still takes an individual's personal responsibility and accountability to make it work.
I want you to know that I believe our department has a coaching staff and administrative staff filled with responsible and accountable people who have bought into our values and act upon them every day.
We will continue to work each and every day to earn and enjoy the trust of the people of Minnesota.
