Saturday, July 18, 2009

Hall of Fame Cheater, Lou Holtz

Tonight Lou Holtz was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. This article tells you Lou is the only coach to lead six different teams to bowl games and four different programs to final Top 20 rankings. What it doesn't tell you is he's also one of the few coaches to lead three consecutive programs to major NCAA infractions. Let's go to the tape:

Lou Holtz coached the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 1984 and 1985 football seasons. In 1988, the NCAA detailed major infractions involving the Minnesota football and basketball teams included the period Holtz was at Minnesota.

Lou coached the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1986 – 1996. In 1999, the NCAA issued a report detailing major infractions involving the football team from 1994 to 1998. Again, Holtz was head coach during part of that period.

Lou coached the South Carolina Gamecocks from 1999-2004. In November 2005, the NCAA issued a report detailing major infractions against the football program covering the period Holtz was at South Carolina.


Lou may have just been a victim of circumstance to happen to be the head coach when this cheating was going on. But it's an interesting coincidence, don't you think?

Nonetheless, he is deified by many. I'll admit I find him entertaining to listen to, but at least recognize the legacy. It's a similar record as Jim Harrick, or Jackie Sherril, but with more charm. And an ESPN contract.

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