We Were Right

The Orange Krush poured the chant down on Kelvin Sampson for most of last Thursday’s game:

“CHEATER, CHEATER, CHEATER”

Only having proof of all of those times that Sampson cheated, ESPN determined that Illini fans should get over it. It turns out, not only were they correct in the first place, they were prophetic.

It’s not hard to be prophetic in such a case. Predict that a singer is going to sing, a player is going to play, a baker is going to bake. Singers sing, players play, bakers bake, and cheaters cheat.

Sampson has been faced with NCAA rules violations at every stop. He will almost certainly be fired or forced to resign at IU. Everyone saw this coming. Most fans at Indiana, although hopeful as any fan, would have told you that there was a distinct possibility that Kelvin would be himself. Indiana fans care a lot about winning basketball games, but, my understanding, is that they care a lot more about being proud of their basketball program. They had the cleanest program in the country for over 30 years, with the winningest coach of all time.

Illini fans have endured a tough year in basketball. Suspended players, injuries, and a losing season have made it, in a word, painful. They can’t score, they can’t finish a game, and they can’t make free throws. But, much like Indiana fans enjoyed for so long, they can be confident that their program is operated with a certain level of dignity. Players who transgress are punished. The coaches have complied with the regulations of the league. Bruce Weber is 123-42.

For the Illini, there is an exciting future, with the opportunity to have phenomenal teams in both basketball and football. Indiana is looking at a troubled future with the NCAA; and Kelvin Sampson should fear for his job.

[Speaking of the Illini future, who wasn’t thrilled to watch Demitri McCamey last week. He can run pretty well, and he’s got the strength to go to the basket. More exciting were his massive “crilladillos,” which he showed off by, down three, stepping up to the three-point line with a cushion and 25 seconds left on the shot clock, rising up and knocking down the game-tying shot. He could have waited, but finally, there is a player who isn’t afraid to shoot when he sees the opportunity]

We get to look forward. Indiana is going to be stuck in the past for the next few months.

AJD