Dear Editor,
The Ball State University men's athletics program is a disgrace to the institution.
At one point, the basketball program was known as a haven for "outlaw" players whose academic records - with a few notable exceptions - were pathetic, both prior to their recruitment and while enrolled at Ball State.
The incidents of their off-the-court behavior bringing notoriety to the program were too numerous to recount. This was especially true during the tenures of Rick Majerus and Dick Hunsaker. While at Ball State, I tried to inform the institution's leadership regarding the impending disaster, but to no avail. The program was put on NCAA probation.
Under Ray McCallum, who promised a program of which we could be proud, the same types of players were largely recruited, often tarnishing the reputation of the university. In answer to a letter I wrote expressing concern, he answered by saying he would recruit whatever players he wanted. (The player about whom I had complained was later declared ineligible.)
Last season, the number of Bonzi Wells was retired. Bonzi Wells? If his behavior record from his high school days through last season in the NBA was examined, one would wonder what values the men's athletics administration is trying to promote.
I wrote to the Ball State president expressing my great displeasure with the retirement of Wells' number, and she did not even have the courtesy to acknowledge my letter. I suppose that is the kind of reaction one should expect from a president who believes that enlarging the football stadium - in which there are usually vast numbers of empty seats - is the top priority for the institution. Perhaps the problems at Ball State go all the way to the top.
Now, the Cardinal football program, in addition to having a horrible record during the career of the present coach, has embarrassed the institution further with the declaration of 19 players as ineligible for at least one game this season due to NCAA infractions.
It is time for sound educational philosophy and high standards - not to mention sanity - to be restored to the Ball State men's athletics program. The needed reforms are long overdue.
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