There emergence in recruiting was kind of sudden, as in 80's SMU sudden.
Freeze challenged the SEC doubters to find any form of cheating. Note to Freeze, never challenge people that have already done more than you, in this field of work.
It was only a matter of time before this happened. The big question is whether the NCAA does anything about it.
I have a 19 year old son; I can tell you for sure I'd be having a sit down right now with him about the character of the program in general and the punishment that looms (Freeze fired? Scholarships and bowl games taken away?). He has to love Oxford and the school to want to still go. It's tough for this to happen so late in the game but Shackleford switched two days before he had to be here so it can be done.
Major infractions at Alabama, Tennessee and now Ole Miss. Which $EC school is next? Someone needs to send the NCAA a Texas Highway Map with a big circle around Collie Station.
It seems Ole Mi$$ has been working hard to say that this has only a little to do with football and that the current coaches aren't involved etc. And Deontae Anderson is on a visit to Ole Miss, so I am sure they will explain it all away in classic SEC style. Unless there is some serious last-minute change of heart after this weekend, which is probably unlikely, I think it may be too late for Deontae Anderson. But who knows...
Say your clean now; blame it on the past; say the violations were minor committed by rogue elements meaning the institution is under control; cry about how the kids shouldn't be penalized for "mistakes" that occurred before they arrived on campus. Then keep moving forward.
The SEC cheats. Everyone knows it.... they deserve to be nailed. I don't care if it occurred years ago. SOMEBODY at that University owns it. And if nobody will step up to own it then the Legacy owns it and it needs to be stained. Period. The reputation is all that is left if they are going to act like people do in prison (everybody is innocent). Just nail the institution and maybe recruits will reconsider in the future knowing that the shadows that never admit to anything are still there.