A Rant From VromanFan

[Guest]

After watching the selection show on Sunday and reading the comments of people much smarter than me...I'm getting sicker and more angry by the minute at the NCAA and the present state of college basketball.

This article, with a link to Part 2 at the bottom, sums up my feelings on the whole thing pretty well.

http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/ncaatournament/2007/arfbracket.htm

I should say as an aside there's a lot of intelligent, unbiased sports media out there. You just got to look a bit. Yell and scream about Digger Phelps all you want but if you still watch "College Game Night" you're supporting him.

I should say up front that I don't think BU deserved in this year. I think we should have been close, but not in.

My gut and my life experience tells me that if something smells rotten, follow the money and you'll usually find the cause. CBS literally fills the NCAA coffers by the billion...do you think their opinion on how the tournament should be filled has an effect on the NCAA?

I used to think not. That may have been naive. We all saw Littlepage get grilled last year by those two idiots. Why didn't he fire back? Why didn't he stick up for the (mostly good) work of his committee? Why didn't he bring up the fact that those commentators specifically and CBS in general chooses not to cover "mid major" programs? How in the world can they mock Bradley's '05-'06 schedule when they never watched any of those games or opposing teams?

Why does the NCAA D1 membership...which now exceeds 330 in number, allow a cabal of self-annointed conferences and their representatives allow the Championship for all of the schools be determined in such a biased, uneducated, and unfair manner?

How in the world are smaller schools PENALIZED as opposed to credited, by the NCAA considering "BCS" schools absolutely refuse to schedule fair contracts (home and home) with them?

I think the answer to all of these questions have everything to do with the aforementioned billons of dollars. It makes me sick. My school is not involved in the Division 1 Championship Tournament this year. I'm not watching. I'll actually work full days on Thursday on Friday. I'll go to the gym on Saturday, maybe read a book on Sunday. I'm not going to sit through incessant four minute long commercial breaks while suffering through Louisville/Stanford. Watching CBS the next few weeks only feeds the monster...only makes it worse...

Maybe despite my shaky principles I'll tune back in when some underdogs make their inevitable runs. Despite getting hosed by the committee I sure wouldn't be surprised if at least four non-BCS schools make the round of 16. Go Central Conn. St., I bet they graduate more than 10% of their student-athletes.

I'm not sure what the purpose of this rant was. I guess if any of you feel the same way maybe consider doing something about it. Turn off Michigan St./Marquette...its going to be boring anyway.

See you all Wednesday,
VFan

[Grassman]

Re: A Rant From VromanFan

After watching the selection show on Sunday and reading the comments of people much smarter than me...I'm getting sicker and more angry by the minute at the NCAA and the present state of college basketball.

This article, with a link to Part 2 at the bottom, sums up my feelings on the whole thing pretty well.

http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/ncaatournament/2007/arfbracket.htm

I should say as an aside there's a lot of intelligent, unbiased sports media out there. You just got to look a bit. Yell and scream about Digger Phelps all you want but if you still watch "College Game Night" you're supporting him.

should say up front that I don't think BU deserved in this year. I think we should have been close, but not in.

My gut and my life experience tells me that if something smells rotten, follow the money and you'll usually find the cause. CBS literally fills the NCAA coffers by the billion...do you think their opinion on how the tournament should be filled has an effect on the NCAA?

I used to think not. That may have been naive. We all saw Littlepage get grilled last year by those two idiots. Why didn't he fire back? Why didn't he stick up for the (mostly good) work of his committee? Why didn't he bring up the fact that those commentators specifically and CBS in general chooses not to cover "mid major" programs? How in the world can they mock Bradley's '05-'06 schedule when they never watched any of those games or opposing teams?

Why does the NCAA D1 membership...which now exceeds 330 in number, allow a cabal of self-annointed conferences and their representatives allow the Championship for all of the schools be determined in such a biased, uneducated, and unfair manner?

How in the world are smaller schools PENALIZED as opposed to credited, by the NCAA considering "BCS" schools absolutely refuse to schedule fair contracts (home and home) with them?

I think the answer to all of these questions have everything to do with the aforementioned billons of dollars. It makes me sick. My school is not involved in the Division 1 Championship Tournament this year. I'm not watching. I'll actually work full days on Thursday on Friday. I'll go to the gym on Saturday, maybe read a book on Sunday. I'm not going to sit through incessant four minute long commercial breaks while suffering through Louisville/Stanford. Watching CBS the next few weeks only feeds the monster...only makes it worse...

Maybe despite my shaky principles I'll tune back in when some underdogs make their inevitable runs. Despite getting hosed by the committee I sure wouldn't be surprised if at least four non-BCS schools make the round of 16. Go Central Conn. St., I bet they graduate more than 10% of their student-athletes.

I'm not sure what the purpose of this rant was. I guess if any of you feel the same way maybe consider doing something about it. Turn off Michigan St./Marquette...its going to be boring anyway.

See you all Wednesday,
VFan

Unfortunately you are right. Its always about the money is it not?
So sad!

[BradleyBrave]

One of the last great sporting events in America is on the cusp of being ruined if this trend continues. The IHSA is following the money and ruining the Boys' Basketball Tournament, I suppose it would only be right if the NCAA followed suit.

[amckillip]

One of the last great sporting events in America is on the cusp of being ruined if this trend continues. The IHSA is following the money and ruining the Boys' Basketball Tournament, I suppose it would only be right if the NCAA followed suit.

As much as I agree the system has serious issues. I don't think college BBall is anywhere near being ruined. As long as players continue to pull double duty as students and players, many playing for nothing other than the love of the game; as long as crowds of students throw on their school colors and crowd the court; as long as an entire community comes together when their team defies the odds and makes run in the NCAA's; as long as those lights go on and a dozen students come together to play 40 minutes of basketball - college basketball will still be great. As a soccer played all my life, theres NOTHING like college BBall.

I think sooner or later the NCAA will have to realize the injustice in the system, and fix the problem. The whole allure of the NCAA tourney is that it's the Big Dance, and it just isn't the same without a cinderella, and even more so, with lots of different girls in the dance, rather than 34 that all look the same.

[BradleyBrave]

One of the last great sporting events in America is on the cusp of being ruined if this trend continues. The IHSA is following the money and ruining the Boys' Basketball Tournament, I suppose it would only be right if the NCAA followed suit.

As much as I agree the system has serious issues. I don't think college BBall is anywhere near being ruined. As long as players continue to pull double duty as students and players, many playing for nothing other than the love of the game; as long as crowds of students throw on their school colors and crowd the court; as long as an entire community comes together when their team defies the odds and makes run in the NCAA's; as long as those lights go on and a dozen students come together to play 40 minutes of basketball - college basketball will still be great. As a soccer played all my life, theres NOTHING like college BBall.

I think sooner or later the NCAA will have to realize the injustice in the system, and fix the problem. The whole allure of the NCAA tourney is that it's the Big Dance, and it just isn't the same without a cinderella, and even more so, with lots of different girls in the dance, rather than 34 that all look the same.

I didn't say the game itself would be ruined, just the tournament to select a champion. With 330+ teams existing, and only a card-carrying minority allowed to play for a championship, something isn't right.

I am a casual fan of college football. I can honestly say that even if we had a I-AA team at BU, I would still be a casual college football fan. I love BU and am nuts about every athletic team at BU, but nothing compares to competing at the DI basketball level. A I-AA football team wouldn't have that. What's my point? The point is that if the BCS continues to have their way, storied non-BCS programs like BU who have competed for and won national championships, are going to be forced into a lower division, a division I-AA if you will and the game and tournament that we as college basketball fans love so much will be ruined forever.

CBS does have significant influence over who gets chosen for the tournament, anyone who thinks otherwise is crazy. Perhaps what they should take note of is that the highest-rated NCAA game ever involved a mid-major team from the midwest.

[amckillip]

One of the last great sporting events in America is on the cusp of being ruined if this trend continues. The IHSA is following the money and ruining the Boys' Basketball Tournament, I suppose it would only be right if the NCAA followed suit.

As much as I agree the system has serious issues. I don't think college BBall is anywhere near being ruined. As long as players continue to pull double duty as students and players, many playing for nothing other than the love of the game; as long as crowds of students throw on their school colors and crowd the court; as long as an entire community comes together when their team defies the odds and makes run in the NCAA's; as long as those lights go on and a dozen students come together to play 40 minutes of basketball - college basketball will still be great. As a soccer played all my life, theres NOTHING like college BBall.

I think sooner or later the NCAA will have to realize the injustice in the system, and fix the problem. The whole allure of the NCAA tourney is that it's the Big Dance, and it just isn't the same without a cinderella, and even more so, with lots of different girls in the dance, rather than 34 that all look the same.

I didn't say the game itself would be ruined, just the tournament to select a champion. With 330+ teams existing, and only a card-carrying minority allowed to play for a championship, something isn't right.

I am a casual fan of college football. I can honestly say that even if we had a I-AA team at BU, I would still be a casual college football fan. I love BU and am nuts about every athletic team at BU, but nothing compares to competing at the DI basketball level. A I-AA football team wouldn't have that. What's my point? The point is that if the BCS continues to have their way, storied non-BCS programs like BU who have competed for and won national championships, are going to be forced into a lower division, a division I-AA if you will and the game and tournament that we as college basketball fans love so much will be ruined forever.

CBS does have significant influence over who gets chosen for the tournament, anyone who thinks otherwise is crazy. Perhaps what they should take note of is that the highest-rated NCAA game ever involved a mid-major team from the midwest.

I hope they do take note, I really love the fact that anyone can win in college bball. Out of curiousity what was that NCAA game? (Birds InSU losng to Magic's MSU?)

[Scouter]

Out of curiousity what was that NCAA game? (Birds InSU losng to Magic's MSU?)

Yep. That's the one.

[thefish7]

Does anyone think that if the Valley started sponsoring football with a goal of advancing to I-A after a few years it might be "good for us?" As it is six of our member schools have I-AA teams.

I personally don't think that it would be a great idea because there's (unlike basketball) a HUGE gulf between the power schools and everyone else, and I don't really think the MVC would ever be able to build any one of their schools up.

"They" say that having football can be a boon to your basketball program in terms of revenue and exposure, but I think that's probably only true if you're really good.

On a totally unrelated note, I would like to see the rebirth of Bradley football... I'd get season tickets for it.

[Stryker]

Does anyone think that if the Valley started sponsoring football with a goal of advancing to I-A after a few years it might be "good for us?" As it is six of our member schools have I-AA teams.

I personally don't think that it would be a great idea because there's (unlike basketball) a HUGE gulf between the power schools and everyone else, and I don't really think the MVC would ever be able to build any one of their schools up.

"They" say that having football can be a boon to your basketball program in terms of revenue and exposure, but I think that's probably only true if you're really good.

On a totally unrelated note, I would like to see the rebirth of Bradley football... I'd get season tickets for it.

I've heard of BB recruits wanting to go a program that doesn't compete for fans with a football program. Besides, seriously, some of the MVC schools(including Bradley) will never be able to have a viable football program.

[That Guy]

I am against our school getting a football team. We would have to cut many of our men's sports, or add many more women's sports just to field a football team that would be a financial bust and be, more than likely, a doormat team that other schools would love to beat up on. Look at Drake and Indiana State for example. Not much to get excited for on Saturday's football game for them now is there? I would much rather sit at home and watch big time college football. We are a basketball school. Always have been, always will be...

[houstontxbrave]

[quote="BradleyBrave"][quote="amckillip"]

CBS does have significant influence over who gets chosen for the tournament, anyone who thinks otherwise is crazy. Perhaps what they should take note of is that the highest-rated NCAA game ever involved a mid-major team from the midwest.

I totally agree BB, there is no way anyone can say that with Arkansas, Stanford, Illinois etc and their large alumni and fan followings etc making the tourney in favor of smaller schools with smaller alumin bases and potential viewers that CBS and the money it dedicates towards the NCAA doesnt have influence on who is selected over whom.

I also dont buy the apparent fact that the committee doesnt have enough time to sit and think about who the teams are when they seed and pit teams versus each other. How much time does it take for each of the informed members of the committee to look at SIU and HC and know both is in a mid major conference or CU and Nevada. The non BCS school pitted versus each other was contrived and done to avoid possible upsets and to also say well the non BCS will atleast have one winner into the round of 32.

I just dont see why they would want expansion either, to many people talk about the tourney and whether its positive or negative exposure is what makes money for CBS. And as long as the NCAA allows for their appointed committee memebers to be influenced by their "TV" partners, this scham of a tournament will never change.

[Stryker]

[quote="houstontxbrave"][quote="BradleyBrave"]

CBS does have significant influence over who gets chosen for the tournament, anyone who thinks otherwise is crazy. Perhaps what they should take note of is that the highest-rated NCAA game ever involved a mid-major team from the midwest.

I totally agree BB, there is no way anyone can say that with Arkansas, Stanford, Illinois etc and their large alumni and fan followings etc making the tourney in favor of smaller schools with smaller alumin bases and potential viewers that CBS and the money it dedicates towards the NCAA doesnt have influence on who is selected over whom.

I also dont buy the apparent fact that the committee doesnt have enough time to sit and think about who the teams are when they seed and pit teams versus each other. How much time does it take for each of the informed members of the committee to look at SIU and HC and know both is in a mid major conference or CU and Nevada. The non BCS school pitted versus each other was contrived and done to avoid possible upsets and to also say well the non BCS will atleast have one winner into the round of 32.

I just dont see why they would want expansion either, to many people talk about the tourney and whether its positive or negative exposure is what makes money for CBS. And as long as the NCAA allows for their appointed committee memebers to be influenced by their "TV" partners, this scham of a tournament will never change.

That's why the subjective way teams are selected needs to be eliminated. They need to use a system that involves no bias of anything over anyone. As long as they have a committee doing it then it is still subjective and not objective as to what teams are selected.

[houstontxbrave]

Subjective would be a great way to do the selection but it will never ever happen. There is to much money, influence, greed, ratings, advertisers, egos etc for anything as imaginative as a subjective selection process to occur.

Until the non BCS schools stand up to the NCAA and demand equal footing within the NCAA the process will never change and even with that stance from the non BCS it will not happen.

But this type of preference towards BCS schools isnt limited to mens basketball, look at how the NCAA handles and disperses penalties for "rules violations". They are hypocritical and there penalties waver and change depending on who the violator is and there pecking order within the eyes of the NCAA.

No matter what talking heads of the NCAA or the networks say, the actions speak louder then any of their words.