Eric writes: >I was wondering when somebody would take a look at this program. It seems >to me that the host family arrangement would be rife with opportunity for >NC$$ violations. I guess hindsight is always 20/20 -- but I've also been wondering about this host family program almost since I first heard of it. It should be pointed out, however, that this program did not amount to free room and board for the lucky athletes. Those players who did live with the host families had their financial aid packages reduced by some amount to compensate (I don't know how much, but it wasn't a pittance). That's part of the reason the program was cleared by the NC$$ after their 1983 investigation. Assuming the NC$$ even notices this (and they're busy just up the road apiece investigating the Syracuse lacrosse program *AGAIN*), I don't expect them to be too hard on Cornell. The university uncovered the "probable" violation themselves, reported it, and promptly discontinued the program, which I suspect is more cooperation than the NC$$ is used to. I would guess the most punishment that the NC$$ would mete out would be placing Cornell on probation for a year or so -- which, by the way, is what happened the last time the Big Red ran afoul of the NC$$, back in 1973 (after a booster paid for two recruits to go to the ECAC tournament in Boston Garden). > Just the same, this is the kind of upheaval that this >program just doesn't need the summer after such a horrendous season. True, but then again, the timing might be the only positive thing about the whole situation. Looking at the Big Red's record over the past couple years and the players that have been brought in during that time, there's frankly no way anyone can claim that the hosting program gave Cornell a competitive or recruiting advantage. -- Bill Fenwick Cornell '86 and probably '94 LET'S GO RED!! "I've had a wonderful evening -- but this wasn't it." -- Groucho Marx