Bobby Bowen Is Not The Issue In Florida State Cheating Scandal

Heard a story about a famous coach while at College of William and Mary years ago that directed an assistance to, “Do whatever it takes” in order to get a certain recruit to visit the school. The dutiful assistance then did what was needed and was fired after the AD got a call from a grateful mother thanking him for the money given to her son. True or not this illustrates the pressure put on subordinates to get the job done.

The press coverage in the Florida State cheating scandal is concerned with the fate of Bobby Bowen's wins and ignoring the underlying question of institutional integrity. FSU did self report which is to be commended. With that in mind, was this scandal the fault of rogue elements in Tallahassee or an institutional failure?

In any workplace there are unwritten rules of conduct; those actions which will and will not be tolerated. Although there is an element of the group dictating the rules, it is the function of top management to set the tone.

Those charged with tutoring student athletes must feel the pressure that everyone passes and stay eligible. But the question is how much pressure came from above? The pressure need not be overt, rather the subtle culture of an organization might be enough to create an environment of questionable actions to reach the goal.

The NCAA also placed show-cause orders — ranging from three to five years — on the three university employees; Hillard Goldsmith (former academic adviser), Brenda Monk (former learning specialist) and an unnamed student tutor.

Will the NCAA hear stories of tutors gone wild or that Florida State expected their athletes to pass and the tutors were to find a way.                         

Does this cause the powers at Florida State to be proud of their culture or reaching for the Alka-Selter?

Brian McCormack--The Business of College Football