As mentioned earlier, Indiana star forward D.J. White and five of his Sampson-loving teammates (who will heretofore by referred to as D.J. White and the Sampsonites) skipped Dan Dakich's first practice as Sampson's interim successor.

It's a ridiculous way to act.

I get it, you're upset that your pal Kelvin Sampson was fired. You liked him. He was nice to you. He's a great guy.

But that doesn't make him above the rules. Just because Sampson shows up at practice every day and tells you that you're a unique and special snowflake, doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants without consequences. He broke the rules, and now he has to (sort of) pay for it.

Understand that adults have to pay the consequences for their actions, and then, if you really feel the need, write "KS" or your shoes or something equally poignant. Don't just quit on your teammates.

I blame Sampson for this, too. His last act as head coach should have been, if he had any interest in the futures of these young men at all, to gather his team, tell them it was his fault and his fault alone that he was gone, remind them that they signed up to play for Indiana and not for Kelvin Sampson, and that the next coach, whoever it was to be, deserves their utmost respect.

Based on the actions of the D.J. White and the Sampsonites, though, I'm guessing that didn't happen.

So now Indiana has these six guys skipping out on a practice, essentially spitting in Dan Dakich's face and cutting his legs out from under him on his first day on the job. Not to mention that White's supposed to be the team's leader, and he and five of his boys are totally leaving their teammates in the lurch.

Reports said that everyone was back on the court for the Friday night walkthrough, and they're all expected to be on the bus for the Northwestern game Saturday.

There's one way and one way only for Dakich to put his stamp on this team immediately, and to get his metaphorical balls back. Welcome D.J. White and the Sampsonites back to the team, take them to Northwestern, and then glue their asses to the bench for the entire game.

• Sampson out as Indiana coach; 6 players skip Dakich’s first practice / Yahoo! Sports

Related: Big Ten Basketball, Ill-behaved People