An Analogy: Oklahoma State Getting Killed by the NCAA

On Friday, it was announced that Oklahoma State was given a post season ban for the 2020-21 Season. Among that they were also given: three years of probation, the loss of three basketball scholarships from now until 2022-23, and will pay a $10,000 fine (+1% of the mens basketball budget for the upcoming season). All of that because former associate head coach, Lamont Evans, was selfish. Essentially, Evans was telling kids which agents to sign with.... In turn, he would receive a 'referral bonus' from the agent if the players chose to sign with agents that Evan's negotiated with. Now here is the part that will make my blog different from everything else you have read about this topic, and I hope you enjoy it:

Let's say your name is Mike Boynton. You work really hard to purchase this used car. You eventually get the car. Now, the car is alright, not great, not terrible. Let's say this car is completely average: you get a Honda CRV. The Engine is made by McGriff Company. The company is about to go out of business so you start shopping for other engines. The nicest engine on the market is made by Cunningham Company. It is reliable, and the best performing on the market. The problem is, it is also the most expensive. Lucky for you, Cannen Cunningham is the older brother of the CEO of Cunningham Company, Cade Cunningham. Cade's a good guy, and Cannen assures you of that. Cannen isn't entirely sure that Cade will hook you up with a new engine, but it looks likely. One day, Cade makes the decision that you're good enough to get the engine. A few months later, something happens that scares Cade that you might not be able to get the new engine. You've had the car for a couple of months at this point, but somehow you get pulled over. You know you weren't speeding, you always used turn signals, you never crashed into anything, never had illegal substances in your car, and people liked riding in your car because you were a great driver. You maintained the car, and made sure it never went out of gas. Somehow, you are still getting pulled over. The Officer gets out of his car, spits on your rear window, and asks you to step out of the vehicle. Politely, you do. You get out of the car and the officer asks you how you got it. You explain that you bought it used. The officer quickly reply's, "Sir, the vehicle has several unpaid tickets attached to it." You are now riding in the passengers seat of your own vehicle that is supposed to get a new engine in a couple of months from the number one engine maker, Cunningham Company. You don't know what is going on. You are taken to court. And you are charged with:

1) One year in prison for having unpaid speeding tickets (from the previous owner's wife, yes you heard that correct, his wife, not him)

2) Three years of probation after serving your one year sentence

3) A $10,000 fine + 1% of next years salary

All of that because you were a good driver who took care of your car. You completely legally purchased, maintained, and drove the car. But the previous owners wife's name and violations are still attached to the vehicle after a couple years of you owning it.

Does this sound fair to you @NCAA? Your punishments are much too severe for something that the University was unaware of. Once Oklahoma State found out about Evans' actions, he was terminated. Mike Boynton, his coaching staff, his players, and our Cowboy family don't deserve to: potentially lose our recruiting class, potentially miss the NCAA MBB tournament, and lose three future scholarships on such an insignificant penalty that was neither promoted nor endorsed by the University.