Bruce Pearl: An Orange Clad Liar

Bruce Pearl lied to the NCAA. That's like one of the Corleones lying to the Godfather. He tearfully admitted as much. But he won't lose his life or a limb for his transgressions to the governing body as he would have to the head of a crime family. Come to think of it, he is the head of a crime family: The University of Tennessee. So what punishment hath UT bequest upon Mr. Pearl? It seems he will have his salary docked $1.5 million over five years. In perspective, Pearl made $1.9 million in 2009-10. He is guaranteed a $200,000 per year raise thru the 2014-2015 season, and will receive a $500,000 longevity bonus after the 2012-2013 season. So basically he forfeits his annual raises and his longevity bonus. No sanctions, no suspension for Pearl? His only restriction is that he cannot recruit off-campus for one year. Whether this is regarded as just a slap on the wrist by the university is a matter of opinion. I tend to think he came out pretty good. I'm sure coaches have been dismissed for a heck of a lot less before. The thing I am interested in seeing is how the NCAA comes down on Tennessee. Pearl is in charge of the development of a lot of young men, yet he admits to being a liar to protect his program. What kind of message is that for the lead Vol to be sending out? I hope the NCAA suspends Pearl with his time to a greater degree than the university did with regards to his money. They take away playing time from the athletes, why not take away coaching time from the coaches?