I’m sure it’s been a fun two-and-a-half weeks on the job for Warde Manuel.
UConn’s brand-new athletic director was informed Wednesday afternoon of the NCAA’s decision to reject the school’s final appeal for 2013 postseason eligibility. He took some time on Thursday to address the media. Some key points:
*Manuel on APR rules: “We support the APR and where they’re going with it and the use of it towards the postseason. What I am totally frustrated about is really how (the NCAA) has implemented this rule without lack of notification to the membership. You guys have been covering the NCAA and policy changes for a long time, I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years and I can never, ever remember, or anyone I’ve ever talked to can tell me (about) any legislation that has been changed retroactively that would have this kind of effect on our student-athletes.”
Warde Manuel (AP)
*Manuel on chances of NCAA using 11-12 APR data, which would make UConn eligible: “I’m not completely confident, hopeful I guess would be the best word, that the committee will continue to discuss the time of the implementation and whether or not they’ll use the most current years of the APR for the postseason.”
*Manuel on the logistics of NCAA using 11-12 data: “Even if for example, the only teams that fall into situation that would be penalized for data being delayed by an 8, 9, 10 month period…if you only looked at those schools and allowed them to use the most recent data, the most recent four years or two years, you’re really looking at a small number of teams, because it’s per team, not institution. Having done a lot of statistical work during my time working on my Ph.D, I don’t see why that would be such a difficult thing.
*Manuel on Jim Calhoun: “Obviously, Jim is not happy about where we find ourselves in the men’s basketball program. Beyond that, Jim and I have not talked about the impact of (the appeal) on his decision or my decision or in any part of the conversation about whether or not he will be here. Jim is our coach, and Jim is committed to working to ensure that the student-athletes continue to do what they’re doing now, which is to focus academically and do the things they need to do to be successful in the classroom and on the court.”
*Manuel on Calhoun’s future: “I’m not going to discuss any conversations I’ve had with any of our coaches about their contracts or their plans for the future.”
Oh well, at least u have Hall of Fame coach. U can hang the laurels on that while they sit out the time. Rules are made to be followed. We do have a business school and ethics and processes are taught. r they not ? In business when u fail to meet goals or mess up or tarnish the corporation’s image, it is bye bye condios. No excuses. Past performance doesn’t count. I guess UCONN has adopted the philosophy win at any cost.