In this segment, I try to shed some light on just how hard it can be to get athletes admitted these days for sports like baseball.
Q: Vatican Blues said:
Isn’t it time for USC to figure out how Stanford gets their players in for baseball? By this I mean, academic scholies, endowed money to help kids with their tuition ( if this is even possible ) etc. I know they have to get JC kids who can pay something, but something must be done, and Stamford seems to be able to figure it out. There are plenty of ex USC baseball players whom I’m sure would pony up some money to help with this. I think it’s time for Haden to hire a top flight coach with local ties and get baseball back where it was, and even with all the limits private schools have on them, it’s time to end that as an excuse.
A: I’ve always said it is much harder at a private coach but the right coach can successful. One thing I would add is that it is much harder for USC to get JC players than a decade ago. I realize some people USC can get anyone into school but it much harder to get JC players through admissions now. Their P.E. units do not transfer and they are not allowed to have D’s. Most schools allow D’s. And even walk-ons get denied. I’ve seen some with 3.5 or higher GPA’s denied admission and then they go across town or to other Pac-12 schools. It happens often, believe it or not. The average person is unaware of the resistance — within the athletic dept. and outside — when it comes to non-football admissions. So a coach needs to work even harder. But it is still possible to field a top baseball program as long as you recruit wisely (not too many high draft picks) and find JC prospects with the right transcripts.
Q: Edward said:
Is Rogers the only academic question mark from the 2012 class?
A: There are some who still need to be cleared by the NCAA but Darreus Rodgers is the only one at the moment that needs classes from what I’ve heard.
Q: Revenge of Charlie Bucket said:
wolfman, putting aside your indignation over how the NCAA “persecuted” Southern Cal in the Reggie Bush matter, what is your opinion on the Penn State situation?
do you agree that given the grave circumstances and clear evidence that the Penn St. Admin was complicit in shielding a serial child molestor, and with Paterno leading the cover up, the NCAA should give Penn St Football the “death penalty” for at least 14 yrs?? that the number of years they allowed this monster to comit his crimes.
A: This is a tragedy on all fronts. I’m in favor of sanctions but a 14-year death penalty seems drastic. I think it will be worth watching the NCAA on this because they have never dealt with a case like this.