Follow up article in the Missoulian

[BWahlberg]

http://missoulian.com/news/local/um-athletics-diligent-in-compliance-after-ncaa-sanctions-boosters-want/article_5f0bd284-b788-11e3-92c3-0019bb2963f4.html?comment_form=true#comments" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is good to see and probably a very important thing moving forward. The UM athletic department has done a lot of work going above and beyond to ensure compliance. In some cases of reduced penalties and successful appeals a key piece to the success is that the school has shown a strong commitment to getting compliance in order.

“The threshold to become a booster, as defined by the NCAA, is really low,” said Haslam. “If you’ve ever bought a ticket, donated at all or attended an event, you’re considered a booster by the NCAA. It’s safe to say that most people in Missoula are boosters.”

July marks the one-year anniversary since the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions concluded its investigation into reports that several boosters and the Grizzlies’ football program violated NCAA policies.

The investigation found a number of infractions, ranging from free meals to legal representation. The findings came with harsh penalties, including the loss of scholarships, the forfeiture of wins and probation through 2016.

While on the road, Gee’s message is simple: Know the booster rules and, when in doubt, ask the compliance office. Many of the violations found by the NCAA last year were considered minor, and Gee said boosters who crossed the line intended no harm.

“It was people acting out of the goodness of their heart – there was no mal intent,” she said. “They wanted to help the program, and that’s what I really see. They were regular people trying to be welcoming to our student athletes.”

Boosters agree with that at least, and it’s one of the reasons they want the school to appeal. They believe UM administrators didn’t put up a fight when the NCAA came knocking, though they still have a chance to correct what some have come to see as a mistake.

“This booster-initiated and supported letter requesting UM to ask for consideration by the NCAA to lessen the sanctions gives both (Engstrom) and (Haslam) a great opportunity to fight for the football program,” Kliber said. “This will demonstrate to not only the boosters, but all that follow, support and care for the well-being of the program, that they also feel the sanctions are unfair and don’t fit the minor infractions.”

 

[argh!]

both greenies sound pretty entitled in that article. did either of them even go to um?

 

[tnt]

Actually it appeared to me the article made some of the boosters look pretty foolish perpetuating the attitude that got us here. Especially that one lawyer QB Club dude, who will support athletics but not the University......... SHAME that they went to him and not the source. Not exacrtly the best face of support for athletics,

 

[maroonandsilver]

:clap:

Actually it appeared to me the article made some of the boosters look pretty foolish perpetuating the attitude that got us here. Especially that one lawyer QB Club dude, who will support athletics but not the University......... SHAME that they went to him and not the source. Not exacrtly the best face of support for athletics,

:clap: :clap:

 

[NativeGriz]

Actually it appeared to me the article made some of the boosters look pretty foolish perpetuating the attitude that got us here. Especially that one lawyer QB Club dude, who will support athletics but not the University......... SHAME that they went to him and not the source. Not exacrtly the best face of support for athletics,

A big picture prez would have dealt with the press, police and figured out how to navigate NCAA problems despite some boosters etc. We would not have been where we are if we had any talent at all in main hall. Also, I know several people that are not willing to support UM beyond athletics, until they get rid of RE. Who can blame them. RE may be the worst president UM has had in 50 years. I would trade him for MSU's prez. in a second. Actually I would take 1/2 the ability of the MSU prez. for RE. The guy is a horrible public speaker and there is nothing about him that conveys the confidence needed of a man holding his position. He is in over his head.

 

[reinell30]

Actually it appeared to me the article made some of the boosters look pretty foolish perpetuating the attitude that got us here. Especially that one lawyer QB Club dude, who will support athletics but not the University......... SHAME that they went to him and not the source. Not exacrtly the best face of support for athletics,

A big picture prez would have dealt with the press, police and figured out how to navigate NCAA problems despite some boosters etc. We would not have been where we are if we had any talent at all in main hall. Also, I know several people that are not willing to support UM beyond athletics, until they get rid of RE. Who can blame them. RE may be the worst president UM has had in 50 years. I would trade him for MSU's prez. in a second. Actually I would take 1/2 the ability of the MSU prez. for RE. The guy is a horrible public speaker and there is nothing about him that conveys the confidence needed of a man holding his position. He is in over his head.

If RE is as bad as you and others say, how does the University get rid of someone like him? What does it take?

 

[NativeGriz]

I feel bad, I hijacked Brint's post which merits more conversation on its content, but to answer your question. In reality it is time to stop blaming RE. Why would he quit a 6 figure job that provides great housing and other perks, despite not being qualified. At this point we need to blame the BOR for hiring him and then for letting this debacle continue. Also write to commissioner of higher education. In many respects C. Christian wasn't qualified for his job either, but that would fall on Schweitzer. I am not too impressed with his handling of all this, though I may be clueless as to what he has attempted to do in advising the BOR.

Sorry Brint for hijacking.