The truth of the matter is that, whether or not Walsh came back to the Maine
hockey program, the NCAA would be watching Maine carefully.  Not even the
NCAA was willing to hang the entire list of compliance problems around
Walsh's neck.  I am sure that they have been watching ALL Maine sports
programs carefully before Walsh's return, as they will after Walsh's return.
 
Yes, there will be negative publicity with Walsh's re-association with the
program.  Hopefully, if the BDN has one ounce of integrity, they will be
reporting the positive events as well.  Fans are planning to give up part of
their Christmas Holiday with their families to be at Walsh's first practice,
the crowd at Walsh's first game is likely to have a long standing ovation for
the much missed coach, and the icing on the cake would be to have a once
again nationally ranked team in the next few years.
 
How better to lift the clouds of doubt than to face your accusers, admit your
mistakes and go on to do your job well.  It will take courage for Walsh to do
this, but, no doubt, he will.