[Editor’s note: We really don’t want him to stink things up over here, since he does a more-than-sufficient job of that at PFT. But we’ve got to let him in every once in a while, or he’ll cry. It’s not a pretty sight. Then again, it’s not a pretty sight when he’s not crying. So please put up with him. Consider it a favor to me.]
Some have wondered why the NCAA decided to suspend Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant for the rest of the year based on the fact that he didn’t tell the truth to the NCAA regarding his relationship with Deion Sanders.
A source with knowledge of the situation tells us that the NCAA’s motivation was simple -- deterrence.
Basically, the NCAA wants athletes falling within its jurisdiction to tell the truth when subject to questioning. Otherwise, the difficult process of investigating issues of eligibility becomes virtually impossible.
Another factor that makes the investigation of Bryant’s case virtually impossible is that the NCAA has no power over folks not falling within the organization’s control. With no subpoena power, the NCAA can’t demand testimony or information from Sanders.
So unless the Bryant case spawns some other litigation, the NCAA’s ability to gather evidence is extremely limited.
Since that’s the situation in every NCAA case, getting at the truth is critical. That’s why student-athletes or member institutions that fail to tell the truth can expect serious consequences.