As the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Urban Meyer went undefeated against the Michigan Wolverines, making him a legend in Columbus, Ohio, for the rest of his life.
It also makes him the perfect candidate to speak on the NCAA’s sanctions on the Wolverines’ program stemming from the investigation into their illegal sign-stealing allegations. The NCAA hit Michigan with a fine, some show-causes, and a minor suspension for head coach Sherrone Moore.
Most fans felt that this was nowhere near enough of a punishment, and now Meyer is weighing in on things.
“In December of 2011, I had to stand in front of a group of seniors and tell them they were not allowed to play in a bowl or championship game in their final year of college football for something they had nothing to do with,” Meyer said, per Awful Announcing. “It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. That same group went 12-0 and was unable to compete for the national championship.
“The recent ruling to not punish players who weren’t involved is correct. However, this decision also proves that the NCAA, as an enforcement arm, no longer exists.”
Fans reacted to Meyer demeaning the NCAA’s authority on social media.
“Here is an interesting philosophical question does the NCAA have the power to ban teams from the post season in this era? You could make a compelling argument that no they don’t,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“He’s right. But, the NCAA needs to punish the institution & people involved. Wins & championships that can be tied to the cheating should be vacated. All coaches & players involved should be banned from college sports. If you don’t make it painful, it will happen again,” someone else added.
“He is not wrong. And his team missed out on a national championship for a far less egregious reason,” one fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if Meyer’s take on the NCAA proves true as the college football landscape continues to change.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.