The NCAA investigation of the Ole Miss Athletics Department is over. Now Ole Miss football fans decide how to react to the news.
After an NCAA probe that has seemed have started eons ago, the investigation appears to be over (for now). The results were not great. Per the Sun Herald, the NCAA has charged Ole Miss with a “lack of institutional control”, which the university intends to dispute.
Disputed or not, this news was bad enough for the Rebels to immediately impose a self-initiated 2017 postseason football ban to accompany the prior self-imposed penalties resulting from Laremy Tunsil‘s incredulous NFL Draft interview. In addition to the ban, this will cost the Ole Miss athletic department $7.8 million in SEC postseason money which will now be forfeited.
Fans are ready to react.
I won’t rehash the particulars. However I will focus on the most pertinent thing, our reaction to all the backlash. As you can imagine our rivals and wannabe rivals are having a field day with the news.
Their sanctimonious chest thumping is in full force. It’s like Christmas in February for these schools. Even certain “unbiased” sports journalists and bloggers can barely hide their giddiness.
Therefore our reaction will set the trajectory of the mocking for the next year or more. Even I have wrestled with how to react. I’m determined not to weep over the outcome. It’s sports…not a bad medical diagnosis.
Another thing I know I won’t do is abandon Coach Hugh Freeze and the team. I’ve even have athletic director Ross Bjork’s back. We’re Rebels. Everyday. They’ve tried to create a winning culture built by love for team. We are not going to let this erase all the good they’ve done. I’ve been through 2-10. Yeah, we can handle this.
However REBEL FANS we can handle this one of three ways:
3. Hardcore Defiance
I am so tired of making excuses and trying to explain things. For all the rivals who are jealous of our success, now when we place that “L” on your record it will be done with malice. This news doesn’t effect the talent on the team now. We have talent. So we are still coming for you.
That’s what frightens you. What if after all of this Ole Miss still travels to that mud puddle in the middle of Starkville and bring our Egg back home? Although we will not win the Championship of Life like the Vols, neither of us will probably end up in Atlanta.
In addition, the last time we were in Tuscaloosa I believe they came up with a bunch of excuse for that “L” but they put it on your record anyway. So keep planning our demise. It will make every victory next year sweeter.
2. Feel “Whatever”
Football is an entirely separate religion in the south, and part of this religious rite is the ambiance of that beautiful fall Saturday. Football is just apart of it. Just as the eating delicious food and hanging with friends are part of the experience.
Also Read: 5 Ole Miss Football Players Who Need to Take the Next Step
We’ve been through worst things with Ole Miss football. I wish we would have imposed a bowl ban last year but hindsight is 20/20. However, I do understand the rationale of sticking to your guns. Who knows what they knew and when they knew it. The third cited NCAA violation did accuse the former staff member of lying to the institution and the enforcement staff.
The fact is that it’s here now. So, whatever. We still have the greatest tailgate in America at one of the greatest universities in America. All of that is nestled in one of the greatest cities in America. We’ll be 8-4 or 7-5 next year. We’ll recruit well and come back. All because we are Ole Miss. So, whatever.
3. Smoking Out Snakes
I’m assuming we all are still pretending we don’t know who the Joker is who’s listed as “Prospective Student-Athlete B” in the NCAA report. We are? Oh,okay. To shorten it I’m just going to call him “B”. It is reported that “B” said he received between $13,000 and $15,600 from Ole Miss boosters. Not from the school he actually attends and plays for. I’m sure he has not reason to lie and protect his current school.
Ole Miss Rebels Football
However, let’s play devil’s advocate and say “B” is telling the truth. Makes you wonder what the counter offer was that sway him to the other college.
The merchandise goes to the highest bidder. By the way, the immunity offered to “B” is for him not the institution he attends. Therefore, if he has sung on you they will be at your front door as soon as they have finished with us.
So everyone believes that “B” hasn’t went to a school that offered more? Or believe that the NCAA is not going to check on your school once they finish us?
If so, I have a school of higher learning in Oktibbeha County I would like to sell you. “B” will sing like a canary once they tighten the screws. That is, if he hasn’t done it already.
You see the thing about keeping snakes as pets is that you live in fear of them biting you when you least suspect it. Therefore, whoever this other “institution” is (wink, wink) may want to be careful. You have to be prepared to react.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. There are a few ways to appropriately react to the news. However, remember at the end of the day it’s just sports. The behavior of a couple of people should not effect your feeling toward the majority of people who give their heart and soul to the program. Plus you can always rejoice in the fact that at least you’re not Mississippi State. Hotty Toddy!