By Eric Stock
NORMAL – In the wake of revelations that Arizona’s basketball coach was heard on FBI wiretaps offering to pay a recruit $100,000 to come play for him, an Illinois State basketball coach is admonishing such actions.
Reports that as many as 20 college basketball programs have been engaging in improper recruiting tactics has promoted a public discussion about whether college athletes should be paid. Supporters say paying players would remove an underground economy in college athletics.
Illinois State University Men’s Basketball Coach Dan Muller said coaches who pay players should be banned. Muller told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin there should minimum thresholds, but he says coaches must be held accountable.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Muller on WJBC.
“But you get up to numbers that are ridiculous – even $10,000 or whatever it is – that coach should never be able to coach basketball again, period,” said Muller.
Muller said he was surprised to hear about the FBI report, saying he hears rumors all the time. He explained the challenge is proving an allegation with 100 percent certainty, since the NCAA lacks subpoena power.
Muller admitted the NCAA’s amateur model is flawed, but says he’s not ready for students to get paid.
“I can see allowing some players to get an endorsement and work outside of their play, but paying more money from the university is not one option. There’s not that much more money to go around,” Muller explained.
Muller says if it can be proven that a coach gave improper benefits to a recruit beyond a certain dollar amount, they should not be allowed to coach again.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
