The other shoe falls

SPORTING GOODS

I really hate to be a denizen in the state where this occurred, but

The NCAA committee on infractions has finally levied its sanctions against UConn, the most serious of which is a temporary separation of coach and program.

Jim Calhoun will be suspended for the first three Big East games of the 2011-12 season after the NCAA found him guilty of failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance and failing to monitor the program in areas of phone calls, text messages and inducements provided by a booster ...

UConn had already admitted that the basketball staff made impermissible phone calls to recruits and improperly distributed game tickets to high school and AAU coaches. UConn also agreed with the NCAA allegation that the university failed to monitor benefits and assistance provided by an agent to a basketball recruit.

But in separate responses, Calhoun and the university said there is no evidence to support the claim that Calhoun failed to promote an atmosphere of compliance.

The NCAA disagrees, stating, "Based on the scope and nature of the violations, the committee found the head coach failed to promote an atmosphere for compliance and failed to monitor the program regarding phone calls, text messages and inducements provided by the booster."

I think the punishment probably fits the crime, but I'm still struck by how St. Jim tried so hard to demonstrate his integrity when not a lot was apparent in this episode.