Makin' $$$ for the homies

theshortbaldref · #1 (**permalink**) Sat Mar 15, 2003, 08:49pm

This is just an inquiry, not an accusation... Can all you college officials tell when a player, or a team, is shaving points? After this weekend's upsets, and some real "lackadaisical" play from some ranked teams and pivotal star players, I'd say there was a lot of laying down on the court... and we know how much gambling has infiltrated college campus's and everywhere else, and how little some of these kids are payed to play college ball. I'd be interested to hear some comments. Thank you.

BigDave · #2 (**permalink**) Sat Mar 15, 2003, 10:48pm

I think these upsets are just a result of tournament play. A lot of these teams that are winning are on their last leg and are finding that extra umpf in their game.

I highly doubt this is a gambling issue.

Adam · #3 (**permalink**) Sat Mar 15, 2003, 11:10pm

Classic example is Arizona. Coach Olson admitted before the tourney even started that it wasn't that important to him. Apparently, his enthusiasm was infectious.

Adam

BigDave · #4 (**permalink**) Sun Mar 16, 2003, 12:32am

Quote:

Originally posted by Snaqwells
Classic example is Arizona. Coach Olson admitted before the tourney even started that it wasn't that important to him. Apparently, his enthusiasm was infectious.

Adam

I live in Tucson and the attitude here is this. The team gets a week off before the "real" tournament starts and that's a good thing. No one is shocked that the Cats lost.

JRutledge · #5 (**permalink**) Sun Mar 16, 2003, 12:33am

I have been watching the Big Ten Tournament all weekend at the United Center and I would never make that assumption by what I am seeing. These teams are not playing at home or in arenas that they are regularly familiar with and the emotions of the situation can be heavy. Let us also mention that these teams have played each other during the year. It can be hard to beat a decent team 3 times in one year. Even the Lakers got beat by the Bulls. It happens.

Peace

RecRef · #6 (**permalink**) Sun Mar 16, 2003, 08:45am

Quote:

Originally posted by theshortbaldref
After this weekend's upsets, and some real "lackadaisical" play from some ranked teams and pivotal star players,

Another view of this from Michael Wilbon of the Washington Post and ESPN. I think he has some good points

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2003Mar15.html