The NCAA loves memos, policies, rulings and penalties. It doesn't love athletes, coaches, or football itself. It loves money and takes it own sweet time in making a decision, and nine times out of ten the decision will have little to do with what's right or fair. In all ties they come down on the side of the letter of the law.
I'm not an anarchist, but giving athletes a chance to compete and fans the opportunity to enjoy the game without arbitrary rulings and ceaseless delays is generally a good thing. The best discipline is tough, fair and consistent. The NCAA usually looks for a reason to say no, and says yes with glaring inconsistency. Ben Mauk got a sixth year, Lyle Moevao didn't.
Here at The Duck Stops Here we won't spend a lot of time covering J. Masoli and his quest for yet another second chance. Though mildly interested in how a former PAC-10 star fares in the SEC with an undermanned supporting cast, like most Duck fans we've moved on. I wish him well, but Ole Miss is just another box score to check with curiosity. I'm not taping their games on the DVR.
That said, I think it's justice that Masoli has to wait and possibly redshirt to get his shot. The original plan was just a little too easy, and I think it's fitting that he should have to pay some dues and prove his reformation has staying power.
But it annoys me that the NCAA is so predictable in holding it up, merely because they can. This time Masoli followed the rules, and he's getting penalized twice for the same crimes.
It will be interesting to see if he can take a year out of the spotlight and stay on track.
I've never been a fan of the NCAA. They are a very secretive organization that, like you, strikes me as inconsistent and arbitrary.
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