2/24/2000- The NCAA has it in for Michigan

The NCAA obviously has it in for Michigan and Jamal Crawford.  What other explanation can there be? 

First Jamal is suspended for six games for receiving extra benefits during his high school career.  Forget that the alleged violations occurred long before Jamal enrolled at Michigan.  Forget that almost every college team in America has a player who has received similar 'extra' benefits either from a summer league coach or 'friend' of the family.  Jamal was singled out and punished while other players on other teams that have been widely reported in the media continue playing. Next Jamal is suspended for an additional eight games because he sent a letter entering himself into last year's NBA draft.  


The NCAA has done what no opponent has been able to do- take Jamal out of the game

He mistakenly thought that he could declare himself for the draft and withdraw like college players can.  Unfortunately, high school basketball players cannot declare themselves for the draft without forfeiting their amateur status.  Which would be the end of the story except for the fact that according some accounts his letter missed the deadline.  Which means that he didn't really give up his eligibility because the NBA wasn't notified by the deadline.  So what's the problem?  Well, somebody has it in for Michigan at the NCAA.  How else can you explain an eight game suspension?  Why didn't NCAA rule Jamal ineligible before the season if his letter was valid?  This is another example of NCAA hypocrisy.  It sure looks like they were looking for a reason to screw Michigan.

GO BLUE!

UMGoBlue.COM Editor-in-Chief, Phil Callihan