As sports fans have been reminded again and again over the past year, the world of college sports is a seedy place full of people who will do just about anything to get an edge or make some money.
Sometimes, as was the case this week with TCU, the shadiness crosses the line into actual illegality, not just NCAA violations. With that in mind take a look at the five worst drug scandals in NCAA history.
Four players were arrested this week along with 13 other TCU students for selling marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and prescription medication to undercover police officers. The four players arrested included at least one defensive starter and with the investigation still ongoing, more players could be involved.
It is too early for the NCAA to enact any disciple of its own. But it doesn’t appear as though the scandal will rise to that level as it appears to just involve the four “bad apples.”
REUTERSIn October of 1988 former South Carolina defensive lineman Tommy Chaikin and Sports Illustrated’s Rick Telander collaborated on an article called “The Nightmare of Steroids,” detailing Chaikin’s experience with steroids wile at South Carolina.
Four coaches as well as a fifth man were indicted in connection with steroid distribution to players from 1984-1987. In this case, the NCAA chose not to punish the University, which has diminished the impact of this scandal on history.
REUTERSCharles Thompson, Oklahoma’s All-Conference quarterback was arrested in 1989 for selling 17 grams of cocaine to an undercover FBI agent. Thompson was at the top of the college game when he was arrested, and the event is probably the single biggest and fastest fall from grace for a college athlete in history.
Oklahoma was not punished by the NCAA for the incident, but it, along with other high profile arrests of Oklahoma players led to the resignation of head coach Barry Switzer amidst allegations that the team was out of control.
REUTERSColorado’s head coach Gary Barnett distinguished himself on this list for a myriad of infractions and allegations that eventually led to his suspension during the 2004 season and his firing in 2005.
After taking the reins in Colorado in 1999, Barnett led Colorado to some of its most successful seasons ever, but allegations that he and his staff provided alcohol, drugs and prostitutes to prospective recruits tarnished his reputation.
Eventually rape allegations against his players as well as rumors about his unorthodox recruiting techniques sunk Barnett and Colorado.
REUTERSIn 2003 Carlton Dotson, a Baylor Basketball player, killed his teammate Patrick Dennehy. The disappearance of Dennehy touched off an NCAA investigation that found evidence of drug use, to improper payments to players in addition to the murder.
In an attempt to cover up what was going on, head coach David Bliss went so far as to tell his players to tell investigators that Dennehy sold drugs to pay his tuition.
The NCAA put Baylor on probation through 2010, eliminated a year of non-conference play, and gave Bliss a 10-year show cause penalty, effectively barring him from ever coaching again.
REUTERS
