Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Kelvin Sampson CourtWhile our good friend Kelvin Sampson could run into trouble finding a legit job after the NCAA gets done with him, it's clear the folks at Montana Tech would love to have him back.
In case you missed it, Orediggers AD Joe McClafferty confirmed Monday that the school still plans to name their basketball court after former coach Sampson despite allegations he lied to investigators about his compulsion to repeatedly break NCAA rules.
Failing to admit the real reason they're naming the court after Sampson is because he donated 50k to renovate the gym, McClafferty chalked the decision up to loyalty and fantasized about having Sampson return for a second tour of duty on the Oredigger sideline:
"We're not a big school, but we're extremely loyal, and we're not going to get caught up in that whole game," McClafferty said. "Our court will stay Kelvin Sampson Court. We still love the guy, and if he wants to come back and coach here, we'd sure take him."
Kelvin Sampson - Head Coach Montana Tech. It does roll off the tongue nicely. (HT: TLB)
Comments
Does this really surprise anyone? This country is a moral train wreck. I swear, people have completely lost their minds. I'm glad I'm not a school president - I'd fire the AD on the spot.
I wish I could say I was surprised, but I'm not. Part and parcel.
Money talks. Isn't OSU's hotel/conference center still named after Roger Blackwell, a felon convicted of insider trading? Its not right, but its the world we live in.
Good point, Kyle.
i still love pete rose, and there is still a pete rose way in cincy. ive got no issue with this. he did a good job while he was there, and he donated a bunch of money. its not like the guy is a murderer or a sex offender, he made a bunch of phone calls. He is going to pay the price, but man the guy shouldnt be blackballed from everything
I agree, in my opinion his transgressions were not on the level of O'Bies. Making phone calls........giving money, supplying housing (with a side of boning the lady of the house).
It's still cheating.....but in no way can I honestly say that those are comparable.
I dont necessarily disagree with any of the comments but if Sampson didn't donate 50k, do you still think they would name the court after him?
I went Tech for my undergrad a donation of $50K for a new court is a pretty big deal there. That gym got used for everything, on a Friday you could have local noon ball played on the court followed by some intramural games in the afternoon and then a real game (as real as NAIA hoops is) that night. They were in need of a new floor, and it is not like a little school like that is getting a lot of extra money pouring in for athletics. I still think Sampson is a cheater and liar, but that does not keep him from remembering the people who helped him get his start. Also, Montana Tech has to love all the exposure that this little ordeal has gotten them.