Scandals and Schedules

Some trouble for two big names in college sports. First, Urban Meyer is under investigation for possible recruiting violations regarding a top junior college wide receiver's girlfriend. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel follows up on an earlier story from the Gainesville Sun reporting that gymnast Maranda Smith admits being contacted daily by Meyer in an effort to woo Smith to the university (making sure boyfriend Carl Moore would follow). If true, Meyer broke rules due to his recruiting a non-football athlete and excessive phone calls. Mike Bianchi comments on possible repercussions of Meyer's actions.

Super freshman guard O.J. Mayo from USC is involved in a mini-scandal of his own. According to the Los Angeles Times, Mayo received free tickets for an NBA game from friend Carmelo Anthony (not the best role-model). Neither the NCAA nor Southern Cal has commented so far.

It's a shame that such fine institutions would allow such things to occur...

Back to the events on the hardwood, Villanova has their last tuneup before our game on Saturday tonight at the RAC. Currently the Wildcats trail Rutgers as the first half winds down. Hopefully 'Nova can bounce back and pull out the win.

No conference games last night with only one on tap the next two days. Saturday will feature six matchups, including a nice nonconference tilt between Connecticut and #8 Indiana in Bloomington on CBS. One last shot for the league to get a big win on the national stage.

The Irish, of course, travel to Villanova to take on the 18th-ranked Wildcats. The other three ranked conference teams are also in action.

I will be traveling tomorrow, but will try to post. Look for a preview Friday and the usual postgame fare sometime on Saturday, if not right away.