Should Bruce Pearl be forced to sit out the season?

[Jordan]

I am stealing this idea from a Yahoo article. The question is discussed because of comparisons drawn between Dez Bryant and Bruce Pearl. Bryant, as we all know, lied to the NCAA and was forced to sit out the rest of the season. Bruce Pearl also lied to the NCAA. Since coaches are supposedly held to a higher standard, shouldn't the punishment be the same?

Not the NCAA is ever consistent with things like that, but the argument can be made. I also would like to point out the snake-like behavior he exhibited when trying to recruit Deon Thomas. He knew what he was doing then, as well as now.

What do you think?

[Jordan]

So I guess no one else cared about this, but I do because he's clearly a cheating scumbag hypocrite. From ESPN...

When Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl reportedly invited top junior recruits to his Knoxville, Tenn., home in fall of 2008, violating NCAA rules, it wasn't the first time he crossed that line.

Kevin Fitzgerald, the compliance director at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee -- where Pearl previously coached -- confirmed that the university self-reported a violation on Aug. 19, 2004, after "Coach Pearl invited a prospect [and his parents] to his daughter's graduation party hosted at his house, a violation of 13.05.5.3."

I hate him more and more

[LFC1892]

Whats not to like?

[Cooleyvol]

(I'm not condoing his actions)

Do you honestly think he's the only coach who's done this?

[Tribe Fan 24]

Originally Posted by Cooleyvol

(I'm not condoing his actions)

Do you honestly think he's the only coach who's done this?

I whole-heartedly agree here.....he is the only one who has been caught right now. I don't condone the lying, unacceptable behavior to be sure...but living in Knoxville and seeing all of the good things that BP does in this community with charity work and all, I think that should count in his favor as well. I truly believe that if he had just come clean in the first place, he would have had a slap on the wrist. The REAL trouble is the lying which is totally wrong, that is what is going to bring the pain on the UT program.

I am firmly a Pearl supporter. I think he is going to be hamstrung by the self-imposed recruiting sanctions as well as the loss of salary. I know that sounds like a homer, but I believe what he has done here is nothing short of extra special, and I truly think that the man is a winner regardless. I know that will be an unpopular opinion by most, but that is how I feel.