Earlier this year, ESPN's incredibly well-done "30 for 30" series focused on the rise and fall of the Southern Methodist University football program which, in 1987, was handed the "death penalty" by the NCAA for repeated rules violations.
The series made two points that are worth mentioning here. First, the Mustangs, though blatant offenders, were far from the only school engaged in such practices. They were just in the middle of the right circumstances for getting caught. Second, the NCAA has not issued the so-called "death penalty" to any other program since, in large part because of the long-term impact it had on the SMU program.
It might be time to revisit that practice.
Some major players in college sports have been making headlines lately for some not-so-happy off-the-field developments.
Not long ago, USC was nailed for all kinds of violations and the proud football program was slapped with a bowl game ban and scholarship restrictions.
Ohio State was busted after it was learned that players were trading tickets and memorabilia for tattoos and who knows what else. Things were so bad that head coach Jim Tressel lost his job.
Miami is now under investigation for numerous potential rule violations, including boosters providing booze and prostitutes to players.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. Obviously, there is a growing problem and it isn't just limited to the highest profile schools.
It's not the programs though, that deserve the death penalty. No, it's the NCAA.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is the judge, jury and executioner of all things college sports.
Recently, NCAA President Mark Emmert took part in a two-day retreat with high-ranking university officials. Among the topics was the infamous rule book which Emmert admitted needs to be re-evaluated.
"The rules are in some cases too complex, unenforceable; in some ways convoluted and some ways irrelevant," Emmert said.
Wisconsin Athletic Director Barry Alvarez agrees.
"The NCAA rules have gotten way out of hand," Alvarez says in a recent article at UWBadgers.com. The rule book is way too complicated and you just don't have enough people to enforce the rules. It has to be cleaned up."
At least some people have some common sense. Unfortunately, just re-writing the rulebook, even from a blank page, isn't enough.
The NCAA is a mess and is just as guilty for the current state of collegiate athletics as the seediest booster, unscrupulous coach or unrelenting agent.
Bear in mind that the NCAA, like any sports entity is ruled by money, namely multi-million dollar broadcast contracts that come from events like the NCAA Tournament and the ridiculous Bowl Championship Series.
Think they don't make decisions based on the almighty dollar? Look no further than the Sugar Bowl, in which five Ohio State players were allowed to participate despite being found guilty of numerous rules infractions.
It's time for a total and complete re-evaluation of the way intercollegiate athletics is managed.
The NCAA, itself, is broken. You can't be an effective enforcer of rules if you, yourself, are too blinded by dollar signs. From the top to the bottom, the NCAA needs to rebuild. The current model needs to be scrapped, the organization needs to define its true purpose – either a revenue-generator, a protector of integrity or a management group – and come up with a new plan.
Until then, the Ohio States, the USCs, the Miamis... they're just going to keep operating as they have.
Showing their pride: Green Bay police officers are showing their team spirit this fall with badges featuring the Packers' logo. Officers can purchase the badge, which commerrates the franchise's fourth Super Bowl Championship for the next year.
The badges also include the phrase "Titletown, USA," a reference to Green Bay's 13 world championships.
Next stop, Cooperstown: A new addition to the Baseball Hall of Fame will bear the name of MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.
The Selig Center for the Archives of Major League Baseball Commissioners will preserve documents and other artifacts from baseball's nine commissioners, including Bowie Kuhn's desk and the 1998 World Series Trophy, presented to the New York Yankees.
Rivalry renewed: Lake Lawn Resort in Lake Geneva is getting the spirit of the Brewers-Cubs rivalry, which returns to Miller Park next weekend, by offering guests staying at the resort game tickets, free transportation to and from the games and a meet-and-greet with Rickie Weeks and Casey McGehee.
Larry King Lounge: ESPN and SportScience teamed up for a closer look at the Brewers' triple play from last week. Check out the video and be impressed once more ... NFL Flims' one-hour documentary on the Packers' Super Bowl season airs 7 p.m. Sept. 7 on NFL Network ... Don't miss the U.S. Amateur Championship this week at Erin Hills. Admission to the tournament, which runs though Sunday, is free ... Brewers owner Mark Attanasio and general manager Doug Melvin attended ceremonies Sunday in San Diego to commemorate Trevor Hoffman's career ... Kwik Trip is Scorecard's favorite gas station ever, but does anyone believe that Ryan Braun has actually been to a Kwik Trip (aside from shooting the commercial)?
