Rhett Bomar and J.D. Quinn will not play this season for Oklahoma. It is reported that Bomar filed his taxes claiming he had made up to $18,000 for 40-hour work weeks but had only been working 5 hours a week. Assuming he was there every week, that would amount to just over $69/hour.
According to ESPN, the NCAA has a rule against players working at a private business and earning “payment over an extended period of time in excess of time actually worked.”
The car dealership involved is part of the Sooner Schooner Car Program which loans cars to coaches and athletic department officials. That doesn’t sound like an NCAA violation waiting to happen.
I remember when Oklahoma hired Bob Stoops being very frustrated that Iowa could not find a way to bring him on board. He seemed like the Golden Child. When he won the national championship, and Ferentz was having trouble winning any games, the frustration increased. I respected the work ethic and the plan the Ferentz had, but Stoops walked into a perfect opportunity and ran with it.
In the end, I’m thrilled with Iowa’s decision. I like Ferentz’s casual, humble personality a lot more the Stoops’ cocky bravado. I love what Ferentz has been able to do with players that other coaches pass on. I’m excited that he’s starting to win the recruiting battle for some of those big name players. I also think there is a very good chance that Ferentz can win a national championship before Stoops wins another. Especially with the next couple years in a row after this one where Michigan and Ohio State are both off of Iowa’s schedule. Who thought that schedule up?
Because of Stoops’ past connections to Iowa, I really hope that this is an isolated event that he didn’t know anything about, but if not, than he needs to face the consequences. This will be an interesting story to keep track of this year. Especially since Oklahoma doesn’t appear to have anybody ready to play quarterback and have to replace three offensive lineman (two to the pros, and Quinn).