thinking about writing an article on that story, but instead, maybe just a long diary comment would be sufficient.  Here is the paragraph from that article that really bakes my noodle:

So Williams knew that he was violating the rules, and did so deliberately because of his judgment that the rules didn't apply to him if he thought the situation were "extraordinary" enough.  And somehow, Williams presence made the team safer than all those secret service agents.  All this time, I just thought he was a basketball coach, not Rambo.

Sweet.  And then this beauty:

So who's "issue" is it then, Mr. Christianson?  The Obama campaign?  Maybe if he becomes president, Obama can spearhead a law that requires the NCAA to overlook presidential candidates' excesses.  Or even better, he can stump for freedom from the Draconian NCAA rules like this that fly in the face of truth, justice, and the American way.

Just wondering, Mr. NCAA guy -- does this exception apply to gubernatorial campaigns as well?  Senatorial?  How's about Lexington mayor?  Surely if Roy gets a pass for Obama, we can get a pass for McConnell or Lunsford, or (fill in a political candidate here), right?  I mean, why would just presidential candidates be able to be declared, "extraordinary?"

How about if Coach Gillispie declares himself a candidate for office?  We could practice all summer!  He doesn't actually have to be elected, and he can always withdraw just before the election.

I think we have us one of them there "loopholes" here, guys and gals. :-P

Gillispie won't let UK news ever slow down!! The man is a machine!

Although I feel the violations are very minor, the words being spoken by the UNC officials certainly makes me think that they feel they are above such pedestrian concerns such as the NCAA rulebook.  

Back in '85 (I believe) Steve Alford posed for a sorority calendar at IU.  The sorority was selling the calendars to raise money for a local charity.  When Knight found out, IU officials called the NCAA and informed them of the secondary violation.  Alford was then not allowed to play in IU's next game (Knight's decision) versus UK because the NCAA had not decided their course of action.  IU did not want to risk playing a potentially ineligible player.

Knight certainly had his shortcomings, but following the letter of the law was not one of them.  Coach Williams could use a lesson from "The General" in how to have integrity as it pertains to setting a positive example for his players and fan base.