Bryant, through Oklahoma State, had appealed the NCAA's decision to suspend him until Sept. 2010 for lying to investigators about a meeting with Deion Sanders.
That appeal was denied today by the NCAA's Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee.
So, in summation, Bryant will be suspended for nine games -- plus a bowl -- for "freaking out" and lying to NCAA officials about an incident that wasn't against the rules, while LeGarrette Blount could be facing an eight-game suspension -- provided he's reinstated following this weekend's game -- after punching a player and going batsh-t crazy on a teammate, a coach, fans and security personnel.
Yeah, that seems equitable.
Come on get real.
It's common knowledge that Eugene Parker uses his former players to recruit college kids to sign with him, Dion is one such recruiter. There is no question in my mind that Bryant accepted gratuities from Parker through Dion. While it may ne dificult NOW to actually sin with Parker's firm, due to the current publicity, Bryant was coming out anyway, which is why he was hanging with Parkers "runner"
the whole situation is bull.
Dez should not be sanctioned like this - punishment doesn't fit the crime.
in other news, deion needs to stop interferring with collegiate players. even if its only for guidance, he's clearly hurting them more than helping them.
Since is a pro any way. Why can't he declare as a free agent and sign with a pro team this year? I'm sure there are teams out there that could use a receiver with his talents.
I am still of the opinion that academics and athletics do not mix well. Just like the rest of the world, the sports teams should be clubs supported by the communities or businesses and universities are for learning and not playing games.
Universities make millions of their "student athletes" and give little back and most of the top players never graduate or use their education opportunity any way.
There seems to be something missing in the "Dez" case. So, not sure we have the whole story the NCAA heard. Not much from PT either, and we all know how he loves the spotlight. He would jump in front of the camera if he thought he could bring Dez back. Blount's offense was fully recorded.
alvaokie -
"most" players very much need what they learned in college as the average NFL career lasts under 3 years. (average). When you consider the sample size, the majority of players who aim for the NFL never make it, and of those that do over half don't see a second contract. All these guys need to do something after football.
this is where staying in college to get that degree pays off.
those that elect to leave college early do so on their own accord - it isn't the colleges using them, then spitting them out to be on their own. you could flip the conversation and say without the college football program there to help them show off their skills, they'd never get discovered by the NFL team and drafted high - they'd be a walk-on on the professional level having to earn their money rather than get paid millions before playing a down.
it works both ways. ;)
In Dez's case, he'll get paid. i jush wish they'd let him play. what he did wrong does not warrant this treatment. they're acting like he's maurice clarett
texasPHINSfan:
The only thing Deion provide "guidance" to is to Eugene Parkers office for a piece of the action. Deion Saunders could give 2 sh#*ts about these kids.
The lesson learned here is: Punch someone and have the ability to be reinstated (but then if memory serves me correct - and I'm not sure - Blounts season long suspension was handed down from the coach and not the NCAA). Attempt to blind someone get a half game suspension (at least Spikes "decided" to suspend himself for the whole game). Yet, lie to the NCAA about who you had dinner with and your career is pretty much finished.
The only thing I can think of for this harsh punishment would be if Dez was given either money or something of substance from Sanders. That's something that hasn't been mentioned nor substantiated. If only the NCAA would be absolutely clear as to the reason Dez is being suspended. If it's only because he lied to them, then there are a lot of players, coaches, and boosters that need to be suspended.
@alvaokie. He can't declare/sign as a free agent because he isn't one. A player has to pass through the draft before they could sign. If this wasn't the case players could drop out early and just sign wherever they wanted.