If Sampson lied, then he must go

Indiana University basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has himself in some hot water.

First, it was the violation of the NCAA's regulations on phone calls and texts. Then the NCAA dropped a bigger bomb on the Indiana University program -- he lied to the university and investigators.

I've stated on this blog in the past that I don't view excessive phone calls and texts as a major and offensive violation. Phone calls and texts could give a coach a leg up in the recruitment process, but I wonder if all the time spent on a mobile is really the best use of a head coach's time. I'd rather the NCAA allow for unlimited calls and texts, and let each coach figure out how to best manage his day.

So I wasn't very upset with Sampson at the time Indiana released its findings after an investigation into Sampson's mobile behavior.

Is it time to roll over his minutes to another university?

I am, however, very upset with the allegation that Sampson lied to the university and NCAA investigators.

If Sampson lied, then he must go. It is that simple. If Sampson was willing to lie in the investigation, what else would he do? Would he lie about student performance? Would he give under the table payments to players and the families of players?

Frankly, if he did lie, we need to ask ourselves this: what else has he done?

As a soon-to-be alum of Indiana University, I cannot stand for someone with the value system of a certain New England football coach as the coach of the basketball team. Indiana University is bigger than any single person, and it should act accordingly. People who represent the university should do so with integrity and honesty. Terry Hoeppner set the example for what an IU coach should be. Right now it appears Sampson is the polar opposite of everything that Coach Hoeppner was.

Don't take this as a rush to judgement. Indiana needs to conduct its own internal investigation into the NCAA's findings. Until then I think it is right that Sampson keep his role as coach.

But if Indiana finds that the NCAA did indeed uncover the truth, in the interest of the ethics and integrity for which a university should stand, it needs to act swiftly and fire Sampson, and do so regardless of how well the Hoosiers do in the post-season.