The University of Michigan men's basketball team is finally done "doing time" for other people's crimes. After a one-year ban from participating in postseason games, the team is now eligible to play in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.
A 1997 investigation into the U-M basketball program uncovered a scandal involving former athletics booster Ed Martin and several of the players. Martin had been giving large sums of money and other gifts to certain players who, as amateur athletes, are not allowed to receive any form of payment.
U-M should be recognized for dealing with this embarrassing and reputation-damaging scandal in an honorable way. The university imposed several restrictions on itself for the 2003 basketball season, including not allowing participation in postseason play.
The university also took down banners in the Crisler Arena and wiped clean the records of any games and titles won while the scandals were taking place.
The NCAA's order for another year of restriction was reversed after an appeal from the university based on its self-imposed restrictions. The restriction was long enough and the NCAA has made the right decision in not continuing the ban for an additional year.
Since the Martin scandals took place, the university has taken on a new president, a new athletic director, a new head coach for the basketball team and new players. None of these people were involved with the affair.
They should not have to pay for other's crimes.
Punishing the men's basketball team by banning it from participating in postseason games was harsh. The NCAA Tournament is an important event to have to miss and it is only right that the team is now able to participate again.
"(The NCAA Tournament) is the goal every college team starts the season with," current head coach Tommy Amaker said in a written statement. "I am thrilled for the young men on our team, and I believe they truly deserve this opportunity."
The punishment of the current players and coach under the now-lifted ban seems especially harsh in the light of the relatively easy sentencing of those that actually participated in the scandals.
Former U-M player Chris Webber lied under oath about receiving gifts such as plane tickets and cars from Martin, yet he's currently serving time under a simple community service program.
Former head coach Steve Fischer is still participating in collegiate athletics as the head coach for San Diego State University.
These people were the ones who committed the crimes and they should have had stiffer penalties. Instead of owning up to their crimes, they let the embarrassment and penalties fall onto the innocent players of the current U-M men's basketball team.
Hopefully, current U-M men's basketball players can put the ugly past behind them.
Their dedication this season will not only improve their abilities as individual athletes but also the reputation of their school.
When the ball is tipped off, they will be fighting not just for points but for the future of their program. Let the games begin.
