-- [ From: Adam Wodon * EMC.Ver #2.10P ] --
 
Hopefully the indefensible defense of Maine by some of its faithful can
now stop. Not all, but some, fought to the end on this topic.
 
It's too bad this has to happen, because it looks bad for hockey, but
it was absolutely deserved.  Honestly I don't know what took so long,
and that the NCAA hasn't made a decision already is mind-boggling.  The
offenses seem so obvious, and every time someone tries to explain them
away, another one happens.  How many times can you forfeit games for
crying out loud?  And even after all the suspensions, then there was
the little things, like free meals at the dining halls, and using
exercise equipment at the wrong time.  Those little things added up,
and always seemed to happen to Maine. Individually, you could say it
was an honest error, but over and over?
 
I've met many Maine fans, they're good people, and even Shawn Walsh was
very pleasant to deal with.  But he's the Jerry Tarkanian of hockey,
and he's been that, as far as I'm concerned, for years.  Maine always
has a very fun team to watch, so again, it's bad for hockey, but it had
to happen.
 
I commend Maine for, seemingly, trying to straighten things out
themselves. The whole school has a lot of soul searching to do, because,
remember, it wasn't only hockey where infractions were committed.
 
The final thing I will say is this: I can't figure out why they just
don't fire Walsh.  I can't understand that.  They suspend him for a
year, and he's been suspended before, but they are going to let him
back. That makes no sense.  He can choose his pro job, so it's not like
they have to feel charitable or anything.
 
Anyway, let's hope all of this gets put behind the college hockey world,
finally.  I'm tired of arguing about it.
 
AW
 
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