Let the Dez Bryant/NCAA debate begin.Just or unjust? Excessive or just plain over the top?
Whatever side you fall on, the NCAA has made it's decision where Oklahoma State All-American receiver Dez Bryant is concerned. The governing body turned down the final appeal on the junior's one-year suspension for lying, likely ending his college career.
Bryant had been ruled ineligible earlier this season after the NCAA determined he lied about his relationship with former NFL star Deion Sanders. He has missed Oklahoma State's last five games and it appears Bryant has played his final game in a Cowboys uniform.
A likely top-5 pick in next spring's NFL draft, Bryant had given indication in recent weeks that he would begin preparing for the draft should his appeal not be overturned.
Still, the debate will wage on as to whether the year-long suspension to Bryant was fair. He did break a rarely cited conduct code when he lied to NCAA investigators this summer and again in the fall about meeting with Sanders at the former star's Dallas-area home in May.
Bryant has since admitted he lied to the investigators for fear that by meeting with Sanders, watching him work out and having a meal with Sanders (Bryant says he paid for his own meal) that he had committed an NCAA violation. It appears that all Bryant actually did wrong was mislead the NCAA.
Some have said for that, Bryant should have had to sit out maybe a game or two. Not an entire year. If Bryant were to come back next season, he wouldn't be eligible to return to the playing field until late September.
As a big-time receiving/punt return prospect, Bryant was expected to take his talents to the NFL after this season anyway. He can simply get that process started earlier and without fear of injury.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-05-2009 @ 3:40PM
Lee said...
He was probably headed for the NFL anyway, so now it's all said and done. Bryant is a very good receiver and will do well in the pros. It's impossible to say just where he will end up at this time, but he will be somewhere in the top 10 picks.
Reply
11-05-2009 @ 4:33PM
greg said...
The NCAA and the BCS are corrupt as congress and that is saying a lot.
Reply
11-05-2009 @ 5:30PM
DP said...
And somewhere sitting very comfortably, with a chuckle and a hee-hee, is Reggie Bush and Pete Carroll.
I've said all along - suspend Dez for two games, maybe three at the most. But a whole year? Ridiculous and hypocritical when Bush and USC gets swept under the rug.
If Reggie Bush is innocent, then why won't he accept the NCAA's request to talk? Because he's guilty, duh. If he was innocent he would talk and get the issue laid to rest. No discussions means he has something to hide.
Reply
11-05-2009 @ 10:29PM
tworgood said...
OUTRAGEOUS!!! many NCAA players have done far worse and received slaps on the wrist.
Blount punched another player, fought with his own team and threatened fans and security - he may play this weekend.
Spikes intentionally tried to harm another player and he receives a 1 game suspension from his coach.
and Reggie Bush is a well known example of NCAA unfairness.
Bryant should have served 1 or 2 games. period.
this punishment is a gross misuse of power.
Reply
11-05-2009 @ 10:36PM
janie hutchens said...
shame on you NCAA!
no fairness, no uniformity, no sense, no logic.
for Bryant's "infraction" he should have served 2 games MAX.
based on NCAA "fairness" Spikes and Blount would
never play football again
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 12:51AM
bluerange308 said...
Everyone who is saying that this penalty is too harsh, when will you and all the other Dez Bryants out there learn?. YOU DON'T LIE TO AN NCAA INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE!!! When will all of you idiots get the point? Tell the truth, even if it might hurt you. Everyone who backs up Bryant is probably a big liar themselves.
Reply
11-06-2009 @ 10:31AM
DP said...
To bluerange308:
I don't think any of us are really saying Dez doesn't deserve punishment. We're criticizing the NCAA for a lack uniformity of doling out punishment. There are players that have done far worse things than lying (DUI, drugs, academic cheating, criminal activity) and then they only receive a slap on the wrist and return to the field a couple weeks later.
So if you lie you are done for a year, but if you beat your girlfriend and when the police later find you in your car with an empty container and drug residue, you're suspended for 4 games. But you can still play in the conference championship game and the bowl game.
So that makes sense how??
11-06-2009 @ 8:09PM
Bob said...
To DP, it's because this infraction was a direct action against the NCAA. While the crimes and off-field behavior you mention are indeed worse actions in the overall scheme of things, Bryant's misdeed was aimed squarely at the NCAA investigation and their methods of acquiring information. I'm not saying the punishment is fair, but I can see why it's being treated the way it is.
11-15-2009 @ 9:38AM
mrksf105 said...
I find it interesting..... it took the NCAA 3wks I think it was to decide that the "one thing they wont tolerate" lying to them!(according to the two comments above) I mean if that is truly something they dont tolerate, then why did it take 3wks?
I have season tickets and I feel quite robbed by what I think is an unfair decision as I looked forward to watching Dez this year.
I respect Dez more than these other guys who have got away with much much more. I would put Dez up to my grandkids as a good example...He lied out of fear, but he had the COURAGE to tell the truth!
I guess I figured the NCAA would hold the banner high but they punish good character!
You shouldnt punish for doing the right thing...you should punish for blantant disrespect of a fellow player or apponant.
Just wondering....who slaps the hands of the NCAA?
Who puts them in office? I really dont know!
I have always wondered ,,,,where is the accountibility. Anyone can make a mistake.......just wondering if they didnt need an accountibility group to suspend them for a half game, 4games, a season, a handslap or maybe forever! Just wondering!
Go Pokes! You have met adversity with great character and talent that has stepped up to continue on in a great season. I dont doubt it would have been more exciting to watch Dez have one more year, but it has also been exciting to see you keep on keeping on!
Reply