When it comes to NCAA infractions rulings, there is always a rush to crush the governing body of college sports. And those who disagree with penalties assessed tend to play the same hit song: “What about the children?!”
The refrain goes like this: They’re punishing players who were (fill in the appropriate adolescent age) when these violations occurred. It is sometimes a valid criticism, thanks to the labyrinthine NCAA crime-and-punishment process. Other times it is a disingenuous deflection. In the case of Oklahoma State and every other men’s basketball program that appears increasingly likely to be hit with major sanctions in the coming months, it’s a completely invalid response.