Allegations out, what now?
Now what?
The NCAA’s allegations are out. Former coaches Gib Arnold and Brandyn Akana were heavily implicated in the notice given to the university this week, accounting for all of the three Level I violations charged.
Meanwhile, the 15-8 (3-4 Big West) Rainbow Warriors continue to play on under Benjy Taylor, who was named very few times in the lengthy document. The most notable instance was in a section detailing one of the Level II violations, in which an unnamed recruit said he played in a scrimmage with UH players during a recruiting visit with Arnold and Taylor being present, something which is not allowed. But Taylor was not found at fault there or anywhere else in the Notice of Allegations.
Taylor also comes out looking good in another Level II allegation, of a student-athlete (reported by the Star-Advertiser as Davis Rozitis) borrowing a Porsche for two days. Taylor is only mentioned in that section in the context of bringing up the fact that it was an NCAA rules violation.
The other two Level II violations involved how the director of operations position was being used, and lastly recruits’ access to a lounge room at the Sheraton Waikiki. Arnold was faulted in each Level II allegation. (We are still awaiting on a response from Arnold, who did not comment on the document on Saturday but indicated he may have one in the coming days.)
There’s a lot that remains to be resolved. UH has just inside of 90 days to come up with a response beyond their firings of Arnold and Akana and suspension of Isaac Fotu back in late October. After that, the NCAA has up to another two months to offer a final rebuttal, then mete out punishment. That could include a postseason ban, reduction of scholarships and practice time, reduced recruiting visits and more.
But, for the most part, it seems UH deflected the worst of the allegations off the institution with some proactive moves. It would be surprising (in this corner, anyway) if the university used all of its 90 days before making a move. There’s a coaching situation to consider and student-athletes who need to make decisions on their future.
What was your reaction to the news of the last couple days? What would you like to see happen next?
Enjoy the Super Bowl. Biscuits and gravy.
Post season ban for Hawaii this season makes sense, they’re not going to get invited to one anyway. So let’s get that over with. May ever consider losing a scholarship or two for next year because we have a very young team anyway. Won’t hurt any unless we see some transfers going out, which is highly possible.
Taylor may not have been dirty but he’s not completely clean either. Gib, when he found out about the car, also sensed that it was a violation and told the players and coaches to not do it BUT he also told them to keep their mouths shut, which is what Taylor did. Therefore, he was also someone complicit in the cover-up. Look, I know Taylor was in a tough situation, but isn’t that when one’s true character shines thru? For the writer to say “..Taylor comes out looking good….” is a distortion and a disservice to UH and the fans.
Liars, that’s the bottom line for the two dismissed individuals. GOOD RIDDANCE!
It’s about relativity here. Obviously no one wants to have their name in the report, period. But considering the myriad ways an assistant coach on Gib Arnold’s staff could have been intertwined in these allegations (and two of three of them were), for Taylor to have emerged as unscathed as he did is remarkable.
So, yes, compared to everyone else named, Taylor does indeed come out looking good.
Brian:
You are correct about Benjy Taylor. Very Sure UH knew quite a bit about what was going on as investigation and people were interviewed., well at least the part about cover up or deception. The AD, with okay of higher ups, when team was thinking about leaving UH or what should they do when Gib was dismissed , remember they suggested that Benjy be made coach for at least this year. UH granted that, and of course that part recently of offering him a one year extension, which he rejected. So, must be as you say, obviously, he is not or was not that tarnished. Another former DOBA and assistant, he is quite upset of even having his name in there. I like how Taylor has galvanized the team, and since last fall have won more games than a lot of us thought they would. Good call on naming him acting coach. You are correct, I suspect with Legal team counsel, UH will respond quickly, to fill permanent HC, staff, student athletes and their families decision if any, and what about Recruiting? Might be, very hard though..a signee or two, who might sign, if they know for certain UH not hit for long term, heavy sanctions..The Mitigating circumstances and what UH proactively did.. I Think NCAA will look very favorably upon that. Hope for the Best.. Team, they deserve it, and so do their families
UH did the right thing in proactively dumping Fib and Akana. They should also consider banning themselves from any postseason play this season, including the Big West Tournament. Then dump Taylor, who has issues of his own. By throwing themselves at the mercy of the NCAA, the program would have a better chance to start completely fresh next season. If any players decide to transfer out, that would be their prerogative. The program should always be bigger than any coach or player. Let’s erase the Fib Arnold era and start anew.
Coach Taylor is doing a terrific job with all the difficulties surrounding our program. I don’t think dumping Taylor would do any good for anyone. Taylor will run a good program after all that has transpired. You understand the adversity and learn from it and move forward. You don’t throw everyone under the bus so that you can erase something that has already occurred. Everyone has issues in their lives and we are not in the know of everyone elses issues so how does one presume to know all the personal details and make judgements when it is not yours to make.
Winning or doing a terrific job, as some puts it here, has NOTHING to do with doing things right. Gib did a terrific job of recruiting as this year’s team proves BUT he seems to be a total failure as an ethical coach. I’m not saying Taylor is unethical but to paint him as unflawed, based on the allegations, is totally ignoring the facts. UH made an expedient decision by offering Taylor 1 year and an extension, it wasn’t out of a belief he was an angel. Remember, BJ offered Gib a 3 year contract while the NCAA investigation was underway and many thought that was right as well as many here who howled bloody murder when Gib got let go. It is really surprising how many people are willing to turn a blind eye because things are going fairly well under Taylor. Would these people feel the same way if he had a losing record? Bet you not!
Brian – NO ONE looks good in this mess and it has nothing to do with relatively speaking. Silence is consent – Taylor chose to remain silent to Gib. He chose to remain silent to higher ups. So don’t paint him to be the good guy, he isn’t.
Oldyobo, how do you know that Taylor was silent and complicit? Maybe he told the NCAA investigators the truth and that’s how they got some of the goods on Gibby and Akana.
As for Benjy’s recommendation to continue as HC, UH layed out that one year extension for below Gib’s salary, and not guaranteed further. Benjy has an agent, would not doubt, if right now, especially, there is no implication of Benjy being alleged of wrongdoing. His personal life, who is perfect? He admits, for media to bring it out, even if true, likened to political negative attacks..would think in Aloha State of Hawaii we would take higher road. Not only Benjy, but the staff he assembled, very good, Brad Autry, Brandon Loyd, and of course Seque Carey, who stayed after the dismissal of Gib and Akana, … we shall see.. All Benjy Taylor and team can do now, do well in school, no more problems and win games. That would be a great resume. What if they had gotten Riley Wallace as interim? Poor guy, great Hawaii coach, and loves Hawaii, however the health issue, who knew that was coming.?
UH just has to move, on, if This current team wins 19 or 20 plus games, a game or two in BWC..a lot, thousands of fans of MBB will be happy, and one more positive in resume for Coach Taylor no matter where he coaches next year. I hope at UH for couple of years for consistency. Too much negative, makes one Negative, and in poor health.. no need that.. think positively..just my opinion, however I give ones benefit of the doubt. Team doing as well, if not better than we expected.
Yobo, whether or not you favor Coach Taylor (and your feelings on the matter are clear), my point is there was nothing in the document that will prevent him from at least pursuing the UH head coaching job for the long term. Will he get it? Who knows? Bottom line, he’s going to be in the running unless he takes himself out of it.
oldyobo: actually, in college sports, winning pretty much makes EVERYTHING right except for very egregious violations which benjy taylor isn’t really implicated in in the report.
Clean house. Let go of the entire men’s basketball staff at the end of this season.
Coach Taylor is doing a great job and deserves a shot at the HC job, but will always
be associated with the NCAA investigation. UHawaii needs to get completely get past all of this, reset, and start over.
the players are not at fault, do not punish them , they have worked hard ,and should be allowed to at least participation in Big West tournament. The coaches responsible are the ones that should shoulder all the punishment, banned from coaching ,for x amount of years. The student athletes don’t deserve this.
Do not punish the players, the Big West Tournament is still a definite goal . UH already done was the pre emptive move or firing Gib and Akana. Gib was no good, no integrity.
Brian, you are so naive to think Taylor is in the running.
#10, read the “Notice Of Allegations” carefully.
Brian’s in the know. I mean, how much is YOUR job closer to UH sports? Besides the occasional UH sports ticket(s) buy or OC12 viewing?
Too bad for Akana. This is NOT the way to start a collegiate career. Oh, well, he probably won’t be able to continue.
He can thank God for the “buddy-buddy” system of procuring jobs in this state. He might be yet on another basketball staff . . . from a local high school.
#13, your name sure implies that you know a lot about winning.
Seems it was and is mutual the retention of Benjy as acting HC.. now it appears to be very, very good move by AD and admin.. team just caught on fire first 16 games. Hope they are not getting worn down. Have to finish strong, at least 8-8 and make BWC tournament. I bet it surprised even UH admin, those for or against retention of Taylor that they have even won 15 games, with possibly 13 more games(3 in BWC if they make it to championship game).. which would put MBB team on pace to win 20 games..Hard to argue, with a MBB team that has winninng record. Football? can lose, but just don’t get messed up I guess..Auwe.
Benjy, he just keep team together… very sure AD and admin supporting their efforts.. the Gravy? If UH were to go to NCAA dance.. wow.. that would be something, and quiet any detractors.. hope the BEST for The Student Athletes.. that is Our Main Concern..They are really doing their best..
Yep, I’m so naive. Benjy Taylor was offered a one-year extension (turned down because he thinks he can get better) just a few weeks ago, with UH fully aware of what was and wasn’t in this report. Gib Arnold nearly secured a three-year extension in the midst of an NCAA investigation. You’re right, it’s absolutely preposterous to think he (Taylor) could keep the job at this institution.
No worries, Brian 🙁 .
khon link: support for Coach Taylor.
UH Chancellor Bley-Vroman voices support for #HawaiiMBB acting HC Benjy Taylor “I don’t have any complaints. coach is doing a great job”