Frank Haith Hopes the Miami Scandal Stays in His Rear View Mirror

Frank Haith hasn't even coached his first game at the University of Missouri.

Today he finds himself checking the rear view mirror, and he is finding truth in the statement 'objects may be closer than they appear.'  Haith just can't catch a break.  He was the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Miami, and he was on the hot seat, mostly for having a mediocre record.  He had eyes for the Missouri basketball job, and was criticized heavily by Missouri Tigers' fans during the interview process, you know, because he had a mediocre record at Miami. 

When Haith was announced as the new men's basketball coach at Mizzou, there was a public outcry.  Then he got slammed for missing out on some key recruits during the Spring signing period.  Hey, give the guy a break, he didn't have time to establish a relationship with in state stars like Otto Porter, who signed with Georgetown.  Slowly, the public started to get behind the new coach.  Afterall, the Tigers are going to be pretty good this year, with several returning players.  All of that positive momentum went away when the bombshell dropped about the scandals at Miami, Frank Haith's former school. 

Now, Frank Haith is fighting for his coaching life. 

The scandal at the University of Miami is a sordid affair, naming over 70 athletes and several coaches.  Miami booster Nevin Shapiro, who is serving a 20 year prison sentence for a $930 million Ponzi Scheme, spilled the beans, in stunning detail, to Yahoo Sports reporter Charles Robinson.  It makes you wonder how the NCAA is going to handle all of this, but that is a topic for another story.

Right now we are focusing on how this is going to impact Frank Haith, who is mentioned prominently in the article.  Shapiro says that Haith, while still the coach at Miami, knew about a $10,000 payment to a recruit.  There is so much information about the entire Miami scandal in this story, that really, it is hard to dispute Shapiro's account.  Having said that, he says this $10,000 payment was made in cash, so you know how that goes.  It's a lot harder to prove if there is no paper trail, and the fact that it was a cash payment provides Haith with a little bit of wiggle room.

Proving a violation occurred is going to be one way Haith's fate at Mizzou could be sealed.  This is from Haith's contract, which basically says he can be fired for breaking NCAA Rules:

11. Discipline for Violation of NCAA, Conference and University Rules and Regulations. If the Employee is found in violation of NCAA regulations, he shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension without pay or termination of employment for significant or repetitive violations. The University is committed to meeting and exceeding that standard and, therefore, if there are significant or repetitive violations on the part of the Employee of Big XII, NCAA or University rules in his conduct of the intercollegiate men’s basketball program, the University may terminate this Contract for Employment when such violations have reasonably been determined to exist by the Chancellor. The Employee shall have the procedural right to a review and hearing relating to any such determination. Any such hearing shall be governed by normal University grievance procedures provided for employees of the Employee’s classification, as now or hereafter amended, unless other procedures are agreed upon by the parties.

Notice that line that says Haith can be fired when "violations have been reasonably determined to exist by the Chancellor."  This is important, because according to reports, Haith knew about money being paid to players.  That is a direct violation, and you would think that would lead to Haith's dismissal.  But even if Haith isn't found to be directly involved, what about all the pictures of Haith with Shapiro?  They were definitely friendly, and that makes the university look really, really bad. 

This is important because Haith's contract also says he can be fired for:

...any behavior of the employee that brings him into public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule or any behavior that is unfavorable to the reputation or moral or ethical standards of the University. 

Does it count if it is just Kansas fans who are making fun of Mizzou right now?  I'm only kidding of course.  This is serious business for Mizzou.  Haith was an unpopular hire in the first place, and now this?  The last thing the university needs is another embattled coach.  Look back at the Quin Snyder era, where he was always feeling the heat.  That doesn't just hurts recruiting, but it doesn't go over well with alumni, and it is just plain old embarrassing.

Right now, the NCAA has placed a gag order on Haith, asking him not to talk.  In a way, that is totally unfair.  The man is being crucified on message boards across the country, and he can't publicly defend himself?  That makes no sense.  I personally believe there are two sides to every story, and that we all should wait to judge Frank Haith until we have heard him speak. 

In the meantime, speculation will run rampant.  Will Mizzou stick with Haith?  Will the NCAA slap Haith with the dreaded "Show Cause," making him unhireable by any university?  If either of these happen, who will take his place as head coach?  What kind of impact will this have on Mizzou, a possible top 20 team this year?  How hard are Kansas fans laughing right now?

You think Tigers fans were mad when in state prep stars Otto Porter (Georgetown), Brad Beal (Florida), and BJ Young (Arkansas) all committed to major, out of state programs?  That is nothing compared to the rage you will hear from Tigers fans if this story about Haith is true.  If true, it will not only cost Haith his job, but you would think Athletic Director Mike Alden will also have some explaining to do. 

And all the Kansas Jayhawk fans will still be laughing.