Rematch of Century? How About Probation Bowl?

You can't spell cheaters without S-E-C.

No doubt one of the forgotten items in the hypefest leading to the Jan. 9 Bowl Championship Series title game will be that the participants are both on probation.

That's right, Louisiana State and Alabama are proof that it pays to cheat.

Eric Crawford of the Louisville Courier-Journal writes, "Somehow, it seems fitting to me that this scandal-filled year in college football should end with two teams on NCAA probation playing for the national title."

LSU's transgressions centered on former assistant D.J. McCarthy, who improperly arranged for transportation and housing for former defensive lineman Akiem Hicks in 2009 before later trying to cover it up.

LSU's self-imposed penalties, which were accepted by the NCAA, included a reduction of two scholarships during the 2010-11 academic year along with a 10% reduction in official visits and reductions in recruiting calls. The punishment runs to July 18, 2012. Read the report on infractions by clicking here.

Alabama's infractions involved impermissible benefits obtained by 201 athletes through misuse of free textbooks. The Crimson Tide had to vacate football victories from 2005-07. Alabama's probation runs through June 10, 2012, and you can read the report by clicking here.

Thanks to 30fps.

Comments

[Rob]

Shocking (not really). Let's not forget the oversigning done by both Miles and Saban. But hey - if screwing up kids' lives results in a national championship, then it's OK by the fans.

[Meg]

He didn't end up playing... so how's it cheating?? The rest of the nation needs to stop whining about the SEC. We dominate. ALWAYS. Get over it.

[spreadoption]

That's the one they got caught on. If you belive there weren't others cases of cheating, then I have prime real estsate in Florida that I'd like to sell to you.

[Tom]

Love the blog but your Captain Ahab like obsession with the SEC is, well, getting in the way a bit. Take a deep breath.