Thu Aug 20, 2009 9:23 am EDT

It's the punishment most observers probably expected, and now, if the Memphis Commercial-Appeal's source is correct, it's the punishment Memphis will face: The NCAA is forcing the Tigers to vacate their 2007-08 season, which included 38 wins and an a runner-up finish in the Final Four. The C-A's source knew of no other ongoing punishments or sanctions against what is now Josh Pastner's Memphis program. Memphis is expected to announce the punishment at a press conference this morning.
If accurate, it's the second time a Memphis team has been forced to vacate a season, and the second time former Memphis coach John Calipari has led an eventually vacated team to the Final Four.
Memphis fans may be rightfully upset. After all, if vacated, their best team in the past officially never happened. That's a weird reality to have thrust upon you. But in terms of actual effects, this vacation literally does nothing: Calipari won't be punished for having Derrick Rose's fake test scores make his way into his program (not that he necessarily should be, and let's have that argument another time, shall we?); Josh Pastner won't be punished with a loss of scholarships or future tournaments or anything of the sort; and Derrick Rose is in the NBA making millions of dollars and being generally awesome at what he does. With the possible exception of Memphis fans' psyches, this hurts nobody.
Which is not to say Memphis fans won't be bitter. If the Commercial-Appeal's Geoff Calkins is any indication, the anti-Calipari sentiment will run high. But that's largely over now. There's really no use being angry at Calipari; Memphis fans knew what they were signing up for, just as Kentucky fans do now. Memphis should, for better or worse, moved on. Plus, there's a sunny side to a vacated season: If you didn't win a national title, does it really matter anyway?
The Dagger is a college basketball blog edited by Jeff Eisenberg. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Posted Jan 28 2010
Posted Jan 28 2010
Posted Jan 28 2010
Edited by MJD
Edited by 'Duk
Edited by J.E. Skeets
Edited by Greg Wyshynski
Edited by Matt Hinton
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Jay Busbee
Edited by Jay Busbee
Edited by Steve Cofield
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Chris Chase
Edited by Brooks Peck
Edited by Andy Behrens
118 Comments
1 - 25 of 118
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
USC should be vacated as well ...
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Would the NCAA be taking it away and awarding Kansas the National Championship by default??
NCAA basketball one and out is so sleezy!!!
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Arthur cheats on his transcript, while in high school, which helps him become eligible for college.
Rose cheats (allegedly) on his SAT, while in high school, which helps him become eligible for college.
The difference is what?
Oh, it's that you're a Kansas fan.
Makes sense I guess.
Report Abuse
The rest of your points are very good, and highlight the inconsistencies in the system. But then, it is a system designed to make money, first and foremost. Athletics are just a vehicle for TV and alumni dollars.
Report Abuse
The rest of your points are very good, and highlight the inconsistencies in the system. But then, it is a system designed to make money, first and foremost. Athletics are just a vehicle for TV and alumni dollars.
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
This is the quietest the UK fans have been all year, it's kinda nice.
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
You better just coach and keep it squeaky clean, Cali.
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
Report Abuse
this speaks to coach calapari's ability to assess character. he gets an F. makes one appreciate the gary williamses a bit more. he took a lot of heat recently for an perceived inability to recruit. he brings in guys that don't have us vacating seasons and who (for the most part) are good kids. none have caused us any grief like this.
Report Abuse
Yes so that's probably why they hired Calipari.
1 - 25 of 118