Oh have mercy, here we go again . . .

Which league? The ACC? The NCAA 'league'? Wow. I know some sports writers have made a big deal about how Coach K works the refs, but it's no worse than what Bob Knight did in the 80s, Tark in the early 90s, and Roy Williams does right now - every successful coach tries to work the refs.

I wish Steve Alford, for instance, would do more of it - would it kill the guy to get a T?

If you know the actual background behind this, it's pretty clear that Duke officials did not know about the violations (during an AAU season) - sanctions would not seem to be appropriate, although you may have a good point that their NCAA run be invalidated . . . except they finished 2nd that year, they didn't win a title. Also, Maggette averaged all of 18 min, and wasn't a starter. Consider me 'blah' on this point.

This is a completely valid point, but until the NCAA cleans up the rules for coaches' sponsorships it's going to happen more and more.

Laughable - they're still college kids . . . what about Rip Hamilton/Khalid el-Amin at UCONN? That was 10x worse and went completely under the radar - and UCONN has a great program, Calhoun's universally considered above-board.

I don't really understand being so bitter - I mean, Duke's had an amazing run, but I really don't have any problem saying they're better than 'my' team . . .

I agree with you, however I will add some of my own thoughts.

1.) Duke found a loophole with the Maggette case, finding that he did not take any payments while in college or enrolled in Duke University. As much as I hate Duke, I don't think they were ever aware that Magette had done that, and I really don't think they should have been penalized. As much as we hate to think about it. College coaches know when their players receive money from boosters and the like. Coach K was probobly completely unaware....because I think he would have kicked him off the team had he known. Coach K would not risk losing or not being the best simply because of a player receiving money.

2.) Many schools have players and coaches that appear in commercials. This is not a violation under NCAA rules. They are not directed towards a specific player, so it can't be considered a violation.

3.) Scuffles happen in tight competition. Duke doesn't have thugs playing for them. Go to Cincinatti or Miami if you want to find those. Emotions run high in those close games.

4.) You might aswell single out the whole NCAA if you want to talk about pot.

5.) I would have treated Elton Brand the same way. He was the first player in team history to leave early...and it was obviously for money. Coach K obviously needed him and he left. I don't blame him.

I hat Duke and think that they get all of the calls. But I just thought i'd interject some thoughts. When you are the best, you are going to get treated like the best. I don't like it, but you have to accept it.

As far as the TV and stuff goes....Duke Basketball is the only thing going for Duke in sports, so they divert all of their publicity funds for Basketball, thats why they are on TV so much. Plus, they are always in the top 2. The best are always going to be on TV....if you can afford it. Its the same with U of Texas Football. They play a ton of games on national TV because they can afford it. I think their athletic department has like a 40 million dollar a year endowment.

1) Every college program has a dark side... some just hide it better than others.

2) Great programs always get the calls!

3) Great coaches always work the refs ( Dean Smith, Pat Summit, etc.)

4) When you are the team on top, everyone hates you and talks trash... look at the great teams over the years and across all eras.