The SEC loves to talk about karma, and one of its coaches got a big ol’ dose Wednesday.
In his first season as Alabama’s baseball coach, Greg Goff led his program to its worst record since 1980. After the season, in exit interviews with players, Goff reportedly told at least 10 of them that they would have their scholarships cancelled or reduced.
Players were informed of Goff’s decision to cut their scholarships during exit interviews on Monday after UA’s season concluded on Saturday with a 3-3 tie at Vanderbilt.
Some draft-eligible players were told they could return and have a roster spot, but were not guaranteed any scholarship money. Some walk-on players, including several who contributed during the season, were told they could try out for next year’s team again during practice this coming fall but were not guaranteed to retain their roster spots.
That is a very clear violation of NCAA rules. Coaches cannot pull scholarships based on athletic ability. They often do in veiled ways and get away with it (hello, Alabama football coach Nick Saban), but they can’t come right out and say that’s the reason. But Goff did anyway.
The Tuscaloosa News then received a statement from athletic director Greg Byrne stating that they would not be openly breaking NCAA rules.
“As with any situation, the University of Alabama will follow NCAA guidelines. We are not revoking scholarships,” the statement said.
One day later, the newspapers reports that Goff has been fired.
Often times, it pays to be an asshole in college sports. You just can’t be this obvious about it.
