Lute Olson is Poisoning The Well

Damn it, I paid for a stomp on the face, that wasn't a stomp

The Arizona Wildcats’ men’s basketball team experienced years of success under Head Coach Lute Olson, but have struggled even with elite talent over the past couple of years without the legendary coach.  Olson was forced into retirement following a stroke and other medical concerns last year, and missed the previous season due to personal reasons.  Now a story has come to light that suggests the Wildcats may never be an elite program again, as long as Olson is still breathing. 

The NCAA has informed Arizona that it will be launching an investigation into alleged recruiting violations by the men’s basketball program committed while Lute Olson was coach.  The violations include accepting money from boosters to fund an event for potential recruits.

Olson may plead ignorance on this one, but you have to think he was well aware of what he was doing.  That is, he was making sure his legacy stayed in tact by destroying his successors chances at success.  A brilliant ploy, really.  Wouldn’t Wildcat fans remember Olson even more fondly if he were the last coach to win a league title or take the team to the Final Four?  At the rate they’re going, he could be remembered as the last coach to win meaningful games or understand the rules of basketball. 

This NCAA violation could cost Arizona scholarships and recruiting trips, which would certainly hinder their ability to field a competitive team.  I know some people are skeptical about Lute trying to destroy the program he helped build, but consider this.  The violations were self-reported.  That right, Olson committed the infractions, retired and then tattled on his former university.  He’s diabolical I tell you. 

With these latest developments, one has to wonder how long Olson has been sabotaging the Wildcats.  Maybe he convinced Jerryd Bayless to go pro after his one year on campus.  Maybe he gave Brandon Jennings the idea to head over seas.  Maybe he pays opposing players to step on Chase Budinger’s face.  His treachery knows no bounds.

Tags: Arizona, basketball, Brandon Jennings, Chase Budinger, Jerryd Bayless, Lute Olson, NCAA

No comments yet.

Leave a comment