Thank You, Dr. Emmert/ NCAA

Today, the NCAA and people being held hostage by misinformation (not just Auburn) and propaganda took a step forward when the NCAA took an unusual step, and put a halt to rumor and innuendo by at least one attention seeker in Danny Sheridan.

In a statement released earlier this evening, after Danny Sheridan and Paul Finebaum appeared on ESPN's "Outside The Lines" hosted by Bob Levy, the NCAA posted the following on their website, NCAA.org:

Danny Sheridan continues to make vague, unsubstantiated claims without backing them up with proof. Contrary to his claims of having an inside source with details on the Auburn investigation, the NCAA has not provided information to Sheridan or anyone else.  As a matter of due diligence, the NCAA spoke with Sheridan this week to determine if he had any facts pertaining to the investigation. Sheridan, however, did not provide any information to the enforcement staff and certainly did not provide a name. Instead, he unsuccessfully attempted to gather information for his own use.

Today, the NCAA took a step in realizing that in today's ultra-information ready age, that getting to the heart and creators of these misinformation trumpeters is paramount.  It can not, and if they continue to make these type of statements, will not be undermined as an enforcing institution of rules. 

I would like to take a moment to applaud the NCAA for the statement they made today.

People like Paul Finebaum NEED stories and information to fester in order to survive in an environment that caters to those that are entertained by drama, manufactured or otherwise.  It's a segment of entertainment only and should be viewed as such.  Paul Finebaum clings to the idea that he's still a journalist, but by very clear example, he's failed in every single regard to be held in such company.  He's a carnival barker.  He's a ring leader.  He's simply cracking whips and directing animal traffic through cages and tossing air balls to clapping seals.  Nothing more.

Until ESPN realizes the same, and after today, I'm hoping in some small fashion it might be sinking in, quits regarding Paul Finebaum as the columnist and legitimate opinion maker he once was years ago, and leaves him on hold when offering his services and getting his mug on TV to spread more nonsensical blither to the nation that would be better off tuning in to Judge Judy.

Open Letter To Mark Emmert/ NCAA

To Mr. Emmert,

As the 2011 football season draws near, attention will start to turn to the pageantry, traditions and true love of the total package that is college football.  Kids will don their jerseys, little faces will get painted up with their favorite mascot's paws, claws and such.  The air outside will fill with the pure bliss that is barbecued boston butts, hot dogs, steaks and burgers.  Cold beverages will be consumed and friends that might see each other on one to seven occasions a year will toss a football back and forth while reminiscing about years and games past.  It is a time of year unparalleled by any other. 

This will even happen at Auburn, AL next weekend when the 2010 National Champion Auburn Tigers begin their 2011 campaign against Utah State University at Jordan-Hare Stadium.  This will happen even despite the cloud that has been allowed to hang over our program by any and all that would rather see Auburn embarrassed, than be able to enjoy our great traditions.  Allowed is the appropriate word, Mr. Emmert.  Despite that, the Auburn Family moves forward.

As evidenced by the NCAA's policy to not comment on "ongoing" investigations, we've not heard a word on where Auburn stands in the eyes of the NCAA in regards to the Cam Newton investigation.  Auburn fans can appreciate the stance the NCAA has put forth, and take comfort that we've still to date, not received any notifications by letter that Auburn is actually under investigation.  However, we are constantly allowed to take punishment in the national media due to inaction to address openly, the blatant lies build on the shaky premise that you, and the NCAA will not be speaking up any time soon to correct, or clarify.

This is why this is addressed to you, Mr. Emmert.  When you go on national radio, and do not clarify your positions, while actually telling and giving permission to opinion makers to do just that, opine and offer up more attacks, you attack by proxy the very things that Auburn people love and cherish.  As a protector first, of the NCAA and its participants, I would hope that you take into consideration the irreparable damage you've allowed to happen to Auburn.  I would certainly hope you would never go on a national show and actually tell people to "have their assumptions".  It is a terrible thing to say to anyone in this day and time.

While it is appreciable that the NCAA would rather not comment on open investigations, like in criminal investigations, the fact is you're not a body of criminal investigation.  In today's world of social media, and with the popularity of opinion maker radio, a simple opinion or remark can go from ten to one hundred thousand in seconds, and then be taken as fact.  This is not a world where you can keep information to yourself, and expect it to be a tool for protection of the institution in question.  In fact, it's turned into the very thing opinion radio and social hacks are able to use against the university and NCAA in indefinite measure.

In closing, sir, I would ask that you look at your policies as people like Danny Sheridan are allowed to go on programs such as "Outside the Lines" on ESPN to spout hearsay and already debunked conjecture against Auburn.  I implore you to ask yourself if allowing national opinion makers is really the appropriate response when a university's integrity, standing, their loving fans, alumni and business partners are hanging in the balance?  Is it the appropriate response anymore when the NCAA's reputation is directly tied to the proper/improper handling of such issues?  I'm not sure the NCAA, or yourself have asked yourselves these very important questions.   I would hope you will do so, soon.  For all of our sake.

Thank you, and in sincere regards,

Chop