SEC boss laments probation
HOOVER, Ala. - Mike Slive brought up Arkansas' track and field program and its NCAA probation during his opening remarks Wednesday at SEC football media days.
When Slive took over as SEC Commissioner in 2002 with the conference's teams excelling on the field but too often running afoul of the NCAA, he pledged to clean things up.
"Five years ago, I told you that the SEC would not have any institution on probation as of today,"Slive said. "We came close. Only the Arkansas track program is on probation as we speak.
"While I take some solace in the fact we are far better off than we were six years ago, there is disappointment we were so darn close."
Arkansas, which has won 42 NCAA titles in cross country and track and field since 1984, was placed on probation by the NCAA Committee on Infractions last fall because of violations committed by former assistant coach Lance Brauman for star sprinter Tyson Gay that involved assistance with housing, transportation and tutoring before he became academically eligible.
All of the allegations against Brauman were reported by Arkansas to the NCAA and Slive noted "the substantial progress"made by SEC schools in taking appropriate action when rules are found to have been broken.
"The most satisfying accomplishment in my six years as commissioner is that we have tackled the infraction problems head on, while at the same time arguably enjoying the most sustained competitive athletic success in the history of this conference,"Slive said. "And as we look ahead - and of course if we believe that history teaches - we can anticipate one or more of our institutions making a mistake. "But what's different is how our institutions handle these matters with honesty and integrity."
Miles jokes LSU Coach Les Miles, who led the Tigers to the national championship last year, poked some fun at Alabama during a speaking engagement in New Orleans on Sunday night. En route to going 12-2, the Tigers beat Alabama - and Nick Saban, Miles' predecessor at LSU - 41-34 at Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Nov. 3. Two weeks later on the same field, the Tide lost to Louisiana-Monroe 21-14. That prompted Miles to tell Sunday night's crowd of LSU fans "not to make too much of that game as it seems like a lot of teams in Louisiana beat that team,"according to the New Orleans Times Picayune.
When Miles spoke at SEC media days Wednesday, a reporter asked him what he thought Alabama's record would be if the Tide played a regularseason schedule composed of all 12 colleges in Louisiana that field football teams.
"I want you to know something. I have great respect for the University of Alabama, the history they have presented to college football, the competition that they put on every time they take the field."Miles said. "I promise you that any fun and entertainment that I have with supporters is very respectful. "I love college football, the competition and the young men that play it."Brett Helms, LSU's senior center from Stuttgart, said he had heard about his coach's joking about Alabama's loss to Louisiana-Monroe. "That's him showing his sense of humor,"Helms said. "We try not to make too much out of that."What did Helms think of the joke ? "When I heard it, I laughed,"Helms said.
More Les In addition to his joke about Alabama losing to Louisiana-Monroe, Les Miles likely further infuriated Crimson Tide fans by noting in Bear Bryant territory that he thinks his coach at Michigan, the late Bo Schembechler," was the greatest coach ever."Luigs standing out
A source with college and NFL ties said Arkansas lineman Jonathan Luigs is the highestrated center in the preseason draft ratings.
Luigs is an All-American, the reigning Rimington Trophy winner and the co-winner of the SEC's Jacobs Trophy as the league's best blocker.
The Pulaski Academy product will represent the Razorbacks at media days Friday with Coach Bobby Petrino and linebacker Elston Forte.
Say what ? From the things we thought we'd never see department, comes this: former Razorbacks outnumber former Rebels 3 to 1 on the page about the new football coach in the Ole Miss media guide. Of course, the new Ole Miss boss is former Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt. Ex-Razorbacks Jimmy Johnson, Felix Jones and Darren McFadden are all quoted, talking about Nutt, along with former Rebels quarterback Eli Manning. Quotebook "I'm embarrassed by how much I'm paid. If my father was alive, he'd say, 'He's not worth it.' He'd be right." - LSU Coach Les Miles, whose annual financial package is $ 3. 751 million.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
