Self-imposed ban by Arizona Basketball was a bad idea
With Arizona Basketball still awaiting the results from the Independent Review process, the Wildcats have self-imposed a post-season ban for 2020-21.
It was a busy day for Arizona Basketball, just one day after picking up their first Pac-12 win of the year, the Wildcats have decided to self-impose a one-year postseason ban for the 2020-21 season.
Making news on Tuesday afternoon, the program decided to take immediate and preemptive action from the ongoing ‘pay for play’ saga that started three years ago.
Arizona Wildcats
As you may recall, the NCAA released the results from their investigation a few months ago and found that the Wildcats were guilty of numerous infractions. None of which were relating to any recruiting infractions, mind you.
As a result, the University then decided to turn over the investigation to an Independent Review team, in hopes of a better outcome. Unfortunately, there is no timeline of when that will come back.
For now, the school has decided to self-impose a postseason ban for 2020-21, perhaps in hopes that that may result in leniency and create favor from the NCAA.
While smart to do it this year with the 2021 NCAA Tournament still up in the air, however, I still contend that the move was a bit risky and may lead to bad results overall.
To me, it shows contrition. As if the program knew it was guilty and is having its mea culpa-type of moment.
While admirable, this also does not mean that the NCAA will suddenly drop their investigation or have no additional punishments to give out. Simply put, the NCAA could see this as not severe enough of a punishment and decide to add on another year in addition to a reduction in scholarships.
Now I understand that this is all hypothetical of course, you just hope the NCAA accepts our punishment and shows us favor as a result.
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As fans, if we have learned anything, it is that the NCAA can be rather inconsistent in instances like these, and our fate ultimately rests in their hands. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!