“If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.”
While this quote is often seen as facetious, it may ring true in the world of sports, where cheating has become all too common.
A few months ago, college football was infatuated with the news of the Cam Newton pay-for-play scandal.
Then came another bombshell when the NCAA announced they would be conducting an investigation of the University of Oregon. The Ducks are believed to have illegally recruited running back Lache Seastrunk.
Oregon used to be thought of as a “clean” program, just like how Jim Tressel used to be thought of as an ethical guy, until he admitted to lying to the university and the NCAA, in an attempt to protect his players.
While Tressel’s actions are not exactly respectable, he is not the only liar among college coaches. Tennessee has recently fired basketball coach Bruce Pearl after it was discovered that he lied to NCAA investigators.
If you think lying to the head of a university or to the NCAA is bad, how about lying to a federal grand jury? Barry Bonds is currently involved in a perjury trial about his use of steroids.
Unfortunately, we now know who is “trying” too hard to win.
Reach William at william.boor@asu.edu
