Posted on October 3rd, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
The FBI calls them “bribes.”
I prefer to call them “signing bonuses.”
Those discrepant views just might determine your stance on what happens in college basketball. But none of us should ever confuse NCAA violations for federal crimes.
Adidas, Nike and Under Armour understand the distinction. So do players, their families, college coaches, and grass-roots basketball organizers. Their secret economy is an attempt to compensate for unjust NCAA policies that perpetuate the sham of amateurism.
Yet, here we are, forced to endure the charade as federal prosecutors put recruiting tactics on trial in New York, where the first of three cases off an FBI probe of college basketball’s so-called underbelly has begun. James Gatto, a former high-ranking Adidas executive, is first up, charged with two counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
But the real fraud is wasting our tax money on what’s essentially a matter between the NCAA and its member institutions.
Read more…
Posted on October 2nd, 2018
By DERON SNYDER (as published in The Washington Times)
Once again, it’s time to check off some items on my “TIDU List” – Things I Don’t Understand:
*WHY THE NATS SHOULD OVERPAY BRYCE HARPER.
Outfield is far from Washington’s most pressing offseason need. The position doesn’t crack the Top 3, but the right fielder’s future is our town’s No. 1 question. Harper said he loves D.C. and wants to return if he’s in the Nat’s plans. That sounds great, but his head must agree if the Nats aren’t the highest bidder – which they shouldn’t be. He easily can prove his love.
Accepting hometown discounts are decisions of the heart.
*HOW JIMBO FISHER COMES UP WITH HIS LESSONS.
The Texas A&M football coach yanked the face mask of linebacker Tyrel Dodson during Saturday’s game, because Dodson was scuffling with a player. “There ain’t no sense to go out there and push and shove and do dumb things out there,” a tone-deaf Fisher said by way of explanation. So, he lost control of his emotions while trying to teach a student about self-control.
Fisher must be a real treat when the cameras aren’t rolling.
*WHY STRANGERS CARE ABOUT LE’VEON BELL’S MONEY.
Read more…
Follow
