For those who thought that the ongoing investigation of diploma mills might take the NCAA’s attention away from collegian athletics, they were wrong.
According to an article in the USA Today, up to 19 players of the 2004 undefeated Auburn Tigers team were reportedly given high grades in courses that did not require to attend class or do any work.
A lot of the classes taken by the Tiger players were independent study but others included classes that usually require class lectures such as statistics. The professor that is coming under fire for most of this is
Thomas Petee , the sociology department’s highest-ranking member.
This is a huge black eye to the school and for the football team. Most already perceive that athletes and a lot of time football players get special treatment when it comes to grades. Although it is going to be hard to punish the current players for past wrong doings that did not involve them, the NCAA must crack down on this behavior. A loss of scholarships or maybe even losing their postseason privileges needs to be considered.
Obviously the University will have their own investigation on the professor, but for the NCAA not to crack down on the team could pave the way for more grade giving at other schools. The punishment should be more than a slap on the wrist and harsh enough so that other schools will keep a closer eye on their professors so that this does not occur again.
