Coach K NCAA violation story not really about violation

Mike Krzyzewski

By Joe Ovies
Aug 2, 2011

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Mike Krzyzewski's potential NCAA rules violation has plenty of sizzle, but not much steak. It easily trumps the NFL lockout saga as most overblown story of the summer and it's easy to understand why -- Coach K's image is the most polarizing in sports.

Krzyzewski taking advantage of a potential loop hole and offering a scholarship to Class of 2012 four-star recruit Alex Poythress during the July evaluation period isn't the reason the story has legs. What should have been a tiny blurb became front page ESPN fodder for Andy Katz because Krzyzewski brings out an equal number of devotees and detractors.

Dan Wolken, columnist for The Daily, tweeted a great observation. There is significant emotional, psychological investment in the notion of Duke being perfectly pure. It's part of the Blue Devils mystique and fans will do everything to preserve it. Too often their defense comes across with arrogance and condescension.

How dare anyone besmirch Krzyzewski and his program? That mindset is what makes Duke and their fans so easy to ridicule.

On the other hand, the way opposing fans get salty over all things Duke makes it just as easy to poke fun. Folks can't stand Krzyzewski's well built perception of being more than just a basketball coach. And while I get it's as American as apple pie to gleefully remind successful people or groups who hold themselves to a higher standard that they are no better than the next guy, the lengths some people go to prove Krzyzewski gets a pass makes them look foolish.

For instance, Kentucky fans are upset that the rule itself is getting scrutiny rather than Krzyzewski. They have pointed out John Calipari has been snagged by equally archaic NCAA rules, but the media gives him no benefit of the doubt. Well, duh. Last time I checked, Coach K has never been associated with a vacated Final Four.

These are the things that keep people awake at night. Football season can't start fast enough.

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RE: Coach K NCAA violation story not really about violation

Hey Tarheels.....I would say your violations are a little bit bigger than a coach offering a kid a scholarship before the tournament is over..If this was reverse I would honestly admit that Roy wouldn't do this intentionally....It is not good what he did and he should know better....But offering UNC jersey's for tatoos.. academic misconduct...I hate Carolina BUT I did not want to see this happen to them..

RE: Coach K NCAA violation story not really about violation

I've met Dean on a few occasions and each time he's been a truly gracious man to be around. I'm friends with quite a few guys who played for Dean and they are all pretty good people (otherwise I wouldn't be friends with them).

I've met K on a number of occasions as well. I sat next to him at one of the press tables years ago at the Glaxo tournament (I'm not a media member... just a guy who weaseled a good seat at a game) and watched him sit there and sign autographs for a stream of people who came up during halftime. Late in the game he was getting up to leave and turned to say goodbye despite the fact we may have said no more than a dozen words to each other all night.

John Calipari once ran over my dog when he was speeding through my neighborhood. He stopped and asked me if the dog was alright and when I told him he may survive Cal backed the car up and ran over him again yelling "that should take care of him" as he sped off. I don't like him as much as Dean and K.

(OK... I made that last one up but I don't really like Cal much.)

RE: Coach K NCAA violation story not really about violation

Cleeve, Your puppy story reminded me that Coach K served in Korea when he was in the Army. Do you have any inside information that he learned to like Korean Cuisine?

I hope this violation proves to be a Tempest in a Teapot; class acts at the top of collegiate sports are hard to find.

RE: Coach K NCAA violation story not really about violation

Joe Ovaries certainly is NOT a voice of reason. Run along Joe and yap away with your middle school rants. I'm hoping WRAL will fire u soon.

RE: Coach K NCAA violation story not really about violation

Umm that's because UNC's violations WERE that bad, there's no comparison.

So finally you can admit the whole "UNC Owns the Media" is a big crock of wolf dookie? Good....step at a time, that's progress....

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