What it means, David, is that Maine did not have a compliance department
willing to manipulate the system.  Danny is reportedly taking a medical
exemption because his father had an eye operation (Mr. LaCouture told me that
last season, during the sweep).  Apparently that "emergency" situation lasted
the whole season.  Perhaps it did, but it did not seem to interfere with his
practice and game time.
 
Cal 's ineligibility was due to clerical error.  He was taking the full load
of courses, but the person keying in the transcripts didn't use the correct
code.  Cal could only trust what his Administrators were telling him.  It was
a mistake, but an honest one.  The Maine team took the hit, and Cal was still
voted the Most Popular Player by the Maine fans.
 
I have nothing but affection for the LaCoutures, and I sincerely hope they
get the pro deal for Danny they envisioned when he enrolled at BU.  BUT,
IMHO, however "legal" this situation is, it is unethical, and the benefits
the BU team got from Danny's playing last season cheapen the achievements of
the team.
 
Cathy Hart
 
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