I've only had time to read a portion of the Maine fiasco, but I would like to summerize some comments made by Ron Mason, and then throw my $0.02 worth in. Mason's comments (summary): I saw the Ron Mason show last Sunday, and at the end of the show Chris McClure asked Ron for some comments about the Maine situation, especially because he is so close to the Maine program (father-in-law of Shawn Walsh). Coach Mason said he felt that Maine's problems were strictly the fault of the Maine ADMINISTRATION...therefore the administration should be the ones to suffer penalties. If it is true that the student/athletes involved and the coaching staff had no idea that they were doing anything wrong, then Maine should not have to forfeit any games and be able to participate in post-season play. Mason mentioned several "appropriate" penalties such as taking away post-season money, etc, but he kept emphasizing that the student/athlete should not have to suffer because of mistakes made at the administrative level. My $0.02: Ron Mason's points do make some sense. I even think that his feelings for this situation would be the same even if he weren't so "close" to the Maine program....but he might not be as passionate (Ron did seem somewhat furious over the whole thing). I could imagine how I would feel if Michigan State were in Maine's situation.....and I ask that all HOCKEY-L'ers think about how they would feel if it were THEIR school that had to sit out post-season play during a potential championship year. An administrative blunder of this sort could happen anywhere, and it could happen again at another school. I'd hate to see anyone in the future have to eat their words of today. Maine's problems are not only a black eye for the University, but it is also a black eye for college hockey, and we should all remember that before we "flame Maine". Hopefully all colleges and universities, not only Univ or Maine, will learn a valuable lesson and pay closer attention to athlete certification. Scott Preadmore Michigan State University [log in to unmask]