NCAA Men's Basketball Rule Changes for the 2017-2018 Season

We are just days away from the NCAA Men's Basketball regular season starting up! In that spirit, let's review the rule changes the NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee and the Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved that will be incorporated into the 2017-2018 rules book.

All in all, there are 26 changes being integrated that can, in essence, be sorted into one of four types of rule changes: (1) Uniformity, (2) Clarification, (3) Game Flow-Related, or (4) Fairness. Some you may have heard news of back in June when they were agreed upon, but some may be completely new to your eyes and ears. Regardless, these changes and their respective "legislative purpose" (i.e., intent) can be fresh in your mind when you bust out your fan gear & cheer on your team!

Jaime, NCAAJaime MiettinenNovember 6, 2017NCAAM, Rule changesComment

Dissecting "the Dark Underbelly of College Athletics" & What Lies Beyond the FBI Investigation

Turns out the madness stretches well beyond March's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Early into the workday last Tuesday, September 27, a Press Conference Advisory from the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York went out for immediate release calling for a noon meeting time and complete with attachments, stating, "There will be a press conference today at noon to announce charges of fraud and corruption in college basketball. Federal criminal charges have been brought against ten people, including four college basketball coaches, as well as managers, financial advisors, and representatives of a major international sportswear company." Here is a breakdown of who is involved, the two distinct schemes, the laws implicated, and what we can anticipate to follow in the short term and the long term.

How You Can Stick It To The Man & Legally Get Your March Madness Fix

The person who leaked the NCAA Tournament bracket via Twitter 50 minutes into CBS' 2-hour Selection Sunday broadcast is considered a hero, according to various news and social media sources. There would not be all this praise had CBS completed the show as it has in the past - one hour swiftly moving through each bracket without the missed shots (e.g., Charles Barkley awkwardly trying to work with the selection touchscreen board). This frustration with college sports broadcasting contracts comes at a time when society is scrutinizing the ethical viewpoints and practices of those running the college sports world, which adds to the firestorm. One mantra appears to be rising out of the mess - a "stick it to The Man" vibe - and will likely gain additional momentum the next few weeks.