Auburn Athletics

One athletic program that has really been making headline is Auburn University. But these recent news stories aren't exactly revealing Auburn in a good light but instead revealing what appears to be a lack of integrity from both coaches and athletes.

This first article exposes many alleged violations including the coaches directly and indirectly paying players. Everyone knows you can't do that! Former players spoke of many NCAA violations which also included grade changes for one of their star players, Mike Dyer. According to the article, Dyer should have been deemed ineligible because of his grades (therefore, would not have been the MVP of the BCS National Championship game because he wouldn't have been eligible to play) but Auburn somehow found a way to "make him eligible".

Who is to say if without their super star playing that Auburn would have still won that National Championship. Sounds like to me, that the NCAA has a long investigation ahead of them and who knows, Auburn might even be stripped of their National Championship title.

With all the lies, deceit, and rule breaking that coaches are partaking in and encouraging just to have a leg up, it isn't surprising that similar characteristics are arising in their players. Leadership from coaches is very important and can deeply impact players. I believe that coaches help guide and mold athletes during some of the their most influential years.

This next article from Sports Illustrated tells of an ex-Auburn player who has plead guilty to first degree robbery. Mike McNeil was a member of Auburns 2010 Championship winning team but was released in 2011 after is arrest and faces 21 years in prison. Three other Auburn players were also arrested at the same time, Dakota Mosley, Shaun Kitchens and Antonio Goodwin. 

There have been numerous acts of bad behavior and crime on Auburn's football team as well as many other football teams across the country but I strongly believe that coaches should be held to the highest standards in terms of their morals and behavior and the example they set for their players. Some players will fall off the boat no matter what measures are taken or how much good influence is provided but poor leadership from coaches lacking in morals and standards, almost guarantees a higher number of players who will get in trouble. Although winning is important, I think its safe to say, that winning never trumps 21 years in prison and great coaches can lead their players down paths of long-term success after their playing days are over.