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- Jan 27, 2012
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From what I can glean from recent NCAA actions and commentary from its President, and knowing how Donna operates, I think this is what may be happening.
I think UM has been working behind the scenes to negotiate a consent decree or settlement (whatever you want to call it) with the NCAA. I think UM already has the letter - no requirement to disclose it. Emmert has already shown that he's willing to circumvent the regular protocol and enter into consent decrees - see PSU. He's also, repeatedly, emphasized that the focus needs to shift to punishing the perpetrators, especially the coaches involved, rather than the athletes who were not involved in the transgressions - see Pearl and Tressel show cause orders. Donna is a political beast. I can see her, at the beginning of this process, telling Emmert that she will set a new standard in cooperation, but that she wants a quick resolution (i.e., agreement) on sanctions after the fact-finding process is over. I also think the NCAA has not only sent the letter, but has also, through back channels, suggested to Donna what may be coming down the pike. And I think right now her goal is to negotiate with the NCAA on an agreement, one which may lay the groundwork for future investigations. We shall see.
Emmert had to get authority for what happened with PSU from a joint motion by the NCAA Executive Committee and the Division I Board of Directors. You can see how that was done by looking at this:
http://ncaa.s3.amazonaws.com/files/20120723/BOARD_EC MOTION.pdf
That is not happening again any time soon.
The only way for UM to get the quick resolution to which you refer is via a summary disposition, which requires all involved parties to agree. Given the "shift" to punishing coaches, it is extremely unlikely that all involved individuals agree to summary disposition along with UM.
The NCAA has no way to communicate what is coming down the pike. The investigation is done by NCAA Enforcement. Enforcement has no say in sanctions. Sanctions are determined by the COI. The COI has no way to say what is coming down the pike because they know less than UM does about the investigation on an ongoing basis.
Emmert also has zero involvement in sanctions. Everyone likes to just say "NCAA" this or that, but there are different subdivisions of the NCAA, and each has its own job. Enforcement are full time employees. The COI is made up of volunteers - they are not likely to feel pressured into doing anything. The NCAA does not sign their checks.
I do believe UM may be rewriting how to conduct these investigations, and I am pleased that they have had the courage to do things differently from how others have done them. If all clients had that same ability to think, my job as an attorney would be far easier.
Hold up. You speak as if there is an iron wall between NCAA Enforcement and COI. Are you saying that these guys dont talk to each other, even informally? That COI has no idea what the allegations are likely to be? I find this extremely unlikely. I've worked in an organization that spans thousands, including work that is deemed "confidential" and yet I hear things from "subdivisions" that have nothing to do with what my job. And yes, even volunteers and interns at that place were privy to "inside" information.
BTW, How is the COI chosen? Who nominates these "volunteers"?
I also find it extremely unlikely that Emmert has "zero involvement" or that he can't exert influence.
You have probably outlined the de jure structure of what is "supposed" to be. But is this real life?
It is astonishing to me that someone opens a door to a world upon which many of you have never gazed or even drawn a breath, and your only response is to offer ignorant accusations of increduality and suppose a general air of equal footing.
Alas, the internet.