Cheer for the U of M
- Wade
The West-side fish-wrap factory reported Wednesday that University of Minnesota athletic recruits were shown a bit more than the Basillica and the Guthrie when visiting last December. No, they got a different view of Minneapolis: namely, through the bottom of a cocktail glass, or perhaps dancers at a strip club. Cherry and spoon indeed.
Naturally, the University and the populace are outraged. Condemnation comes from a wide range of citizens, ranging from Pa in Baudette to Senator Mark Dayton, who said that it is "shameful that our great University has fallen so low." To all of these folks I ask the question:
Have you ever been to the University of Minnesota?
I graduated from a different school with its own drinking problems, but I visited the U enough to know that most students didn't sit around on Saturday nights playing Scrabble. Not everyone gets wasted at the U, but I'm willing to bet that sobriety is the exception instead of the rule. And I'm not condemning anyone here, I did my share of underage drinking. But anyone claiming that underage drinking at the U is a surprise is out-of-touch, or lying.
What, really, did the athletic department expect the players to do? "We really want these recruits to come to Minnesota. Now take this $30, and show 'em a good time. You know, the Hollidazzle parade or some soup from Eddington's." The U can't expect us to believe this innocent act, like they had no idea what might go on. Wholesome doesn't sell to an 18 year-old whose ego has been blown up because of his athletic ability. Sex sells.
I agree that the U didn't necessarily know what went on at night during these visits; but I'm guessing they didn't press anyone for a lot of details either. Do whatever it takes, just don't tell us about it. Maybe buy a minor a drink or two, and maybe show him a couple of the state's finest movers and shakers at the Vu. If that gets a prized recruit to suit up with the Maroon and Gold, so be it.
As much as us it chagrins us nerds to admit it, Division I schools aren't really in it for us. They don't mind having us around, perhaps, but we don't generate a lot of revenue. College sports rules the day in D1, specifically mens' basketball and football. So much so that officials are probably fine with turning a blind eye to improprieties. You don't even need to look too far back to find other examples. Clem, anyone?
So is what happened bad? I guess so. But is it a surprise? Please.
What do you think? Drop us a line at webmaster@simpleprop.com and give us some
feedback. Maybe we'll even run your letters in future Gambits. 'The Daily Gambit' is updated every weekday.
