Das Boot!

Kelvin Sampson, heralded Indiana basketball coach, has resigned amidst a NCAA scandal on allegations he violated recruiting rules….AGAIN. Sampson was initially on probation from recruiting violations from his 2000-2004 seasons at Oklahoma. Sampson knowingly and admittedly made 500+ calls over the limit to recruits. Most recently, Sampson was brought up on charges that he made an extra 100 calls during his time at Indiana, and participated in 10 3-way calls with a recruit and his assistant coach.

Sampson agreed to resign and accepted a $750 ,000 buy out with a clause stating he can not sue Indiana University. He has accepted this stipulation, but nothing is inked yet. Sampson says he is ready to defend himself in front of the NCAA as soon as he can.

Honestly, I called this from the start. Sampson had obvious problems at Oklahoma, and Indiana’s athletic director was taking a gamble when hiring him. I think a few inept years under Mike Davis really drove a “we want it now” attitude into Indiana’s decision makers, directly causing them to make a bad one.

Right out of the gates, Sampson lures controversial recruit Eric Gordon away from Illinois, a team he already verbally committed to. Hey Kelvin: did you know that the big ten coaches have a gentleman’s agreement to not go after verballed recruits? I guess that’s why Bruce Webber is so mad?

Sampson has set Indiana basketball back further than anyone can imagine; well worse than another mediocre year with Mike Davis. Save a national championship; this season is a black mark on Indiana’s almost squeaky clean (see bob knight vs Indiana) resume.