The Arizona State athletic department succumbed to NCAA pressure and decided to forfeit their postseason prospects to prevent more severe penalties in the future. During the meeting, AD Ray Anderson told the disappointing news that the team’s goal of reaching a bowl game was now not possible in 2023. Kenny Dillingham could see a mixture of anger on the players’ faces, especially seniors and transfers.
With all due respect to Arizona State, this is like me self-imposing a ban from dating Margot Robbie. Or like saying you didn’t want to attend a party you weren’t invited to. I just don’t think they would be able to win 6 games and be bowl-eligible with a first-year Head Coach.
Herm Edwards was fired amid an NCAA investigation into the Sun Devils for hosting recruits during the Covid-19 dead period. The start of this investigation, involving a package of violation information, was well-known. Several years later, the players were paying the price for Edwards’ alleged actions.
Comparisons were drawn to Tennessee’s recent experience with the NCAA, where the university paid a hefty fine to avoid a postseason ban. This brings up the issue of the NCAA attempting to spare current players from punishment, as even former coaches like Jeremy Pruitt advocated against bowl bans.
The timing of the decision was unfortunate, coming just five days before the season opener. Players unrelated to the infractions were being penalized, and only two members of the prior coaching staff remained employed.
The problem with a bowl ban like this is that all the players and coaches involved are more than likely not a part of the team anymore, it’s hurting nobody but the current players. Also, with the state of College Football and the NCAA being on the ropes, I don’t see this ending well for the NCAA.
