On a dark Thursday last November I remember finding myself in a tough spot, thinking: Either an institution I love or members of the journalism profession will be embarrassed.
Sorry national sportswriters, couldn’t happen to a better class of folks. From al.com:
The NCAA did not find any major rules violations in Auburn’s signing of quarterback Cam Newton and has concluded its investigation.
The NCAA enforcement staff also concluded its investigation into charges by four former players on HBO who accused the school of providing extra benefits. Again, it found no wrongdoing.
The NCAA issued a statement Wednesday saying it interviewed more than 50 people to see if Auburn provided Newton or his family improper benefits. The NCAA said it could not find any reason to keep the investigation open because its findings did not meet a “burden of proof” that Auburn did anything wrong in signing the quarterback who led the Tigers to the national title last season.
And, also:
The NCAA took some of the constant scrutiny to task, saying charges must “meet a burden of proof, which is a higher standard than rampant public speculation online and in the media.”
“The allegations must be based on credible and persuasive information,” the NCAA said.
As I would tell any journalism student, or anyone else: your assertion does not mean evidence.
(Apparently true to my word, I did not write much about this here over the last year. In the archives I find two mentions. One, here, just after this “story” broke and something else the night Newton declared for the NFL draft.)
Just because why not:
War Eagle.
