Brian Rosener is the keeper of the Semoball Cup which is presented to the school with the most successful season. It is based on a formula that takes into account the combined winning percentage of all sports teams plus bonus points for advancement in postseason play for both teams and individuals. The bonus points are divided by the number of teams a school fields. Rosener has been the sports editor for the Daily American Republic in Poplar Bluff, Mo. since December 2001. He was born and raised in St. Louis, where he attended Lindbergh High School and Webster University. He is married to Jennifer, a Poplar Bluff native, has a son Jack and a dog named Satchel who stands in for his @semoballBrian photo.

Three Rivers hears from NJCAA

Posted Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 6:23 AM

Story runs in Friday, June 17th edition of the DAR:

Three Rivers College has been given a choice by the NJCAA after self-reporting violations by the men's basketball program.

In a letter dated Monday, NJCAA Executive Director Mary Ellen Leicht gave the school two alternatives:

* Place the men's basketball program on probation for the upcoming season, which would ban the Raiders from postseason play, and reduce its scholarships to nine for the next two seasons;

* Or allow a five-member audit team from the NJCAA to investigate the entire athletic program to determine the sanctions.

"Although the ability for a member college to be given alternatives is unusual," Leicht wrote, "I feel the need to offer an in-depth review of the athletic program is warranted."

The college must respond by Tuesday, June 21 or could appeal the decision by Leicht to the NJCAA Executive Committee.

Responding by email, Three Rivers President Dr. Devin Stephenson said, "Three Rivers will appeal the sanctions.

"We have a great tradition of athletic competition at Three Rivers and I will do everything within the scope of my position as president to assure that we continue that success."

Athletic Director Gene Bess declined comment at this time.

"Athletics is an important part of the collegiate experience and provides a means for young men and women to obtain a college degree," Stephenson said. "We will definitely appeal the sanctions and seek relief from the proposed reduction of scholarships."

Three Rivers self-reported three violations after a consultant hired by the college looked into the entire athletic department in April.

In her letter to Stevenson, Leicht writes that the sanctions are based upon the independent audit.

"These violations are similar in nature to those which caused this same program to be sanctioned in 2009," Leicht writes. "As concerning as the continued violations is the fact that the head coach of the men's basketball program has additional responsibilities as the college's athletic director and should be providing leadership for the entire athletic program."

By taking the sanctions, the Raiders could be banned from postseason play for the upcoming season.

"It is my understanding that it is the intention of NJCAA to prohibit Three Rivers from participating in postseason play in 2011-2012 and possibly 2012-2013," Stephenson said. "We plan to appeal that decision as well."

According to Article V Section 17 of the NJCAA bylaws, probation is "the maximum penalty which the (NJCAA) may impose will be forfeiture by the member college of the right to participate in Regional and/or NJCAA sponsored tournaments, meets and games" for one academic year.

At the end of the probationary period, the college must request reinstatement and the Executive Committee of the NJCAA must vote to either grant it or extend the penalty an additional year.

Should the college choose the audit, Three Rivers would fully fund a five-member audit team by the NJCAA.

The audit team would be "given full and complete access to all records including but not limited to college, sport camp, and booster club documents (financial and otherwise) as well as the ability to interview all key individuals having dealings with the athletic program and college," Leicht says in her letter.

"The NJCAA would reserve all sanctions pending the outcome of that audit" and "sanctions more extensive than those listed ... may be imposed."

In 2009, the NJCAA limited the men's basketball program to 11 scholarships during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons for rule violations that occurred between 2005-08. Three Rivers was found to have violated of rules concerning payments for healthcare and tuition costs. The sanctions came following a 10-month inquiry by the NJCAA, which did not put Three Rivers on probation at the time.

The violations reported to the NJCAA in May were:

* The school providing game-day meals at home events to men's basketball players that exceed the limit set by the NJCAA;

* A member of the Booster Club providing groceries on a monthly basis to players on the men's basketball team;

* Two payments concerning medical coverage that exceeded the limit set by the NJCAA.

The compliance review report was done by TIG Consulting at the request of the college. Interviews were conducted April 5-7, the report says, and the findings were sent to Board chairman Wilbur Thornton on April 15.

The two payments of improper medical coverage came in 2009 and were not associated with an athletic injury, the report says. One totaled $203 while another was $78.

The game-day meals provided to players exceeded NJCAA limits and the groceries provided by a member of the booster club violates Article VIII Section 1 A of the NJCAA Eligibility Rules.

Both infractions occurred between August 2009 and March 2011, the report states.

An athlete may only receive grant-in-aid from the school and can only include tuition and fees, room and board, required course-related books and transportation costs one time per academic year.

The school is responsible for "acts of outside individuals or organizations when performed with the knowledge of any member of the administrative or athletic staff."

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Brian,

Are you able to say what happened at TRCC to cause this type of actions? I am just curious because I will probably be attending several games this coming year to watch Will Holifield.

-- Posted by Rocket689 on Tue, Jun 21, 2011, at 4:13 PM

Brian Rosener
I've added the rest of my story in hopes it clears things up.
looks like they got in trouble for feeding kids too much and paying some doctor bills. wow.

-- Posted by GSP on Wed, Jun 22, 2011, at 1:47 PM
Thanks, Brian. That clears things up for me.

-- Posted by Rocket689 on Wed, Jun 22, 2011, at 3:09 PM
Now I may not know the full details of why their in trouble.. But really? Thats why I don't like the NCAA or any college orginization like that. Being an athlete in college is pretty much your job, and the NCAA or whoever wants each school to put out the best team they can so they can attract more attention which means more money, but for them to be better they have to train even harder.. It's almost impossible for a college student athlete who comes from a poor background to pay for the extra stuff all year long.. They bought them groceries so they could eat, and took care of a medical bill, what if the athlete(s) would not have went to the doctor and eventually died, or a player died from lack of nutrition.. Cut some slack here

-- Posted by Dustin Ruby on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 2:43 AM
Rules are rules. The speed limit is 55 in Arkansas on some four-lane highways. Whether you like it or not that's the law.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 2:55 AM
I remember on 30 for 30 I think it was the Oklahoma coach said something like it gets cold, and your telling me I can't go buy one of my players who busts his butt everyday in practice a coat because he cant afford it.. I know it's the rules, and I definitely don't agree with what tyrell pryor did.. I'm not sure if I agree with paying of college players, but a doctor visit and food are two things that shouldn't have to be worried about.. I'm sure colleges have insurance, and team doctors? Are the players listed onto that insurance? Like that outfielder from Georgia, was his medical bills paid for by the university or the NCAA since it was during a game?

-- Posted by Dustin Ruby on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 4:18 AM
They are getting free education!!!!!

-- Posted by BIGELW on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 7:32 AM
rules must be followed. that does not mean that some are not goofy. its unfortunate that governing bodies such as the ncaa and njcaa are so out of touch with reality. serving too much food? seriously. i can kind of see the hospital bill thing, but food? thats being out of touch.

there are two sides to the ethical issue here. is it more unethical to let a kid freeze or is it more unethical to break the rule and buy the kid a coat in the middle of winter?

-- Posted by GSP on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 10:57 AM
It's more unethical to buy the kid a coat, if the only reason you're buying him a coat is because he's an athlete. I bet there are kids in Bluff that need a coat, that boosters have never thought of buying one for.

And what booster doesn't know you can't buy a coat, or groceries, for players? When you do that, you do it in blatant disregard of the rules. That's pretty unethical to know the rules, and say 'screw it, I'm going to buy it for them anyway'. It's one thing if you break a rule and you didn't realize it was a rule in the first place, like talking to a recruit when you're not supposed to or something that no one outside of the NJCAA has ever heard of kind of thing. Seriously now, what booster doesn't know you can't buy groceries, pay bills for, and buy clothing for the athletes? They know these rules, but they broke them anyway. That's about as unethical as you can get.

And it wasn't a hospital bill, it was a dental bill. Face it, they did these things because they are athletes at the school. And they did so in blatant disregard of the rules. They broke the rules, they got caught. Almost every Juco and NCAA school have gotten caught doing similar at one point. Just take your punishment and move on, and stop trying to justify the actions.

Speeding isn't manslaughter, but you still have to accept the punishment. When you get caught speeding, don't whine at the officer, just pay your fine and slow down next time.

-- Posted by bam-bam on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 12:25 PM
inspectorgadget -- The medical bill mentioned was actually dental related. Basketball scholarships do not provide for dental care, unless they are injured in a basketball setting. This is very normal no matter what level of college it is. Mizzou players don't get dental coverage like they were an employee with full medical benefits. If you play at Illinois, and you have a toothache, you either use your parents dental insurance, or you pay it yourself. The scholarship doesn't pay for a toothache, tooth removal, or regular dental care. And it's against the rules for a booster to pay an athlete's dental bill just like it would be to pay their cell phone bill, or their credit card bill, etc.

-- Posted by bam-bam on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 12:32 PM
I'm not saying they werent in the wrong I clearly stated I didnt know the exact story behind it.. So chill out bam bam, and as for the coat comment, a coach should be able to supple his players with necessities, athletes can't just go out and get a full time job, and go to class, and play at a high level.. Just a regular student has the choice to get a side job to help pay for the things they need.. And yes your getting a free education, but if you have zero dollars before you get the scholarship, you'll still have zero after.. I mean I think it'd be reasonable to put in part of the scholarship for even 50$ a month for players, that'd take care of pretty much anything that could come up, raise the ticket prices up a dollar and you don't have to worry about losing money.. And I'm not just takin about trcc, I'm saying abroad..

-- Posted by Dustin Ruby on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 2:36 PM
If the you gave them the $50 stipend, or for any amount, you'd have to be obligated to do the same for any other scholarship recipient.

-- Posted by semo7178 on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 6:03 PM
I'm talkin sports wise, I think that's a better idea then the south Carolina coaches.. And most of the time when a student gets a full ride, they usually have a few other scholarships going straight to their pocket

-- Posted by Dustin Ruby on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 6:54 PM
Its called a Pell Grant!!!! They get a ton of extra money with that money. If the players are responsible with their money then they shouldn't need anything and have more then enough.

-- Posted by LetsBeReal21 on Thu, Jun 23, 2011, at 7:46 PM
My limited experience with college recruiting is it is very important all colleges follow the same rules to ensure fair competition.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Fri, Jun 24, 2011, at 3:21 AM
But it comes down to who gets caught

-- Posted by Dustin Ruby on Fri, Jun 24, 2011, at 3:32 AM
I won't disagree inspectorgadget. Nevertheless, if nobody got caught driving 70 in a 55 everyone would drive 70.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Fri, Jun 24, 2011, at 3:38 AM
I must add one has to wonder if some of the local recruits had any idea what they were getting into when they elected to play at Three Rivers next season. It seems unfair these athletes are required to play for a school which is likely to receive severe sanctions next season.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Fri, Jun 24, 2011, at 3:44 AM
The local recruits are walk ons so they are not required to play there if they don't want to.

-- Posted by BIGELW on Fri, Jun 24, 2011, at 7:52 AM
It's obvious that most of you don't understand what's going on here. It's all a witchhunt to get coach Bess out. The college doesn't want athletics anymore. They wont them out. The self reported that the team's pre games meals cost "too much" in order to get Bess and the team on probation, etc. This is all in hopes that Bess will resign instead of dealing with all the hassle.

It's a shame that they are treating a legendary coach that way. Bess has contributed more to Three Rivers than any other individual.

-- Posted by FreyGuys on Sat, Jun 25, 2011, at 11:47 AM
Interesting idea FreyGuys.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sat, Jun 25, 2011, at 2:20 PM
Coach Bess is not going anywhere... And TRCC was not caught doing anything wrong. They caught the violations and reported them. Which shows that the school or any member of the adminstration or athletic staff had no knowledge of the violations at the time they occurred. The medical stuff I'm not sure about; but I would think that if the college was going to pay for something medical that they had to feel it was an injury related issue. I think they are smarter than that. As far as the local kids they are not walk ons as walk ons have not been selected yet.

-- Posted by bballfan40 on Sat, Jun 25, 2011, at 8:32 PM
bballfan40,

Holifield(Sikeston) and McGowan(Bernie) are essentially "recruited walkons" from the standpoint that they are not on basketball scholarship. They are eligible for the A+ program, so that defrays tuition costs.

As for FreyGuys post.... it's not just an "idea"....

-- Posted by marcus aurelius on Sat, Jun 25, 2011, at 11:43 PM
The debate continues!

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 1:23 AM
Any thoughts on whether or not eliminating the booster club would increase or decrease the likelihood of repeat violations in the future?

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 1:31 AM
With or without a booster club, college kids will get food given to them at EVERY college in the country. The problem is having a college that is trying to find any reason to get it athletic programs in trouble. Three Rivers has gone from the best junior college job in the country to the worst. And that's what the big shots at TRC want. They want no coach to even want to take a job there.

-- Posted by FreyGuys on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 9:02 AM
So basically, Three Rivers should not have reported the violations, instead, they should have covered them up, and never 'self-report' any violation to the NJCAA, ever.

Interesting analysis.

Or perhaps, instead of not reporting the violations, maybe, I don't know, but maybe they should try to stop committing the violations? Tough call I know --- keep breaking the rules and keept it covered up, or admit the mistakes and try to stop it before it gets worse. Hmmm, I don't know, tough call.

-- Posted by bam-bam on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 9:38 AM
If the College was looking to get rid of the sports programs why would they be advertising the new sports complex for the Raiders coming in the next few years? Also we may see more athletes that qualify for academic scholarships if they have to go down to 9 scholarships. As we seen last year after losing several players. Athletes that can bring in academic money and can perform in their sport are very attractive to the college and coaches although the NJCAA is known for developing athletes that have great sports talent but are weak in the classroom. I would say they are more worried about not playing in the post season than losing scholarships.

-- Posted by bballfan40 on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 10:07 AM
When people are getting in trouble for providing snacks to players before or after games, that's stupid. I don't care what level you're on. That's where two of these violations come from, providing snacks before/after games. Heck, what's next, if someone offers you a stick of gum, you're suspended? Let's define "meals" and "groceries" before we start handing down sanctions (it does not in the rules pamphlet - http://www.njcaa.org/todaysNJCAA_Eligibility.cfm?category=Eligibility). To me, a meal is a meal, a snack is a snack. There is a difference. Maybe dugouts/locker rooms need a sign like at the zoo, "Don't Feed The Players" so everyone knows to treat them like animals.

Now, on the flip side of that, if these same people were giving them $200 a day, giving their parents jobs to get them recruited, etc, that's a whole different story. It really seems like to me, certain people are digging for information on a legendary coach and disciplinarian ("As concerning as the continued violations is the fact that the head coach of the men's basketball program has additional responsibilities as the college's athletic director and should be providing leadership for the entire athletic program.") Isn't that what this is saying? Aren't they putting his credibility in question?

As I have said before, if you're trying to check Gene Bess' credibility, good luck. He's one of the finest men I've ever known. In many people's opinions, he's more "legendary" for that than he is a coach...and that's a big statement because he's the best men's basketball coach out there. You can't tell me that he's letting things go on that are illegal and just "bucking" the system.

-- Posted by mskelton on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 1:25 PM
If the scholarship limitations remain it won't matter if they are banned from postseason play or not. We saw the impact reducing the number of scholarships to 11 had on the win-loss ratio last season.

The recruiting class has the potential to be better for the upcoming season. However, current and future sanctions may discourage non-local players from signing to play at Three Rivers.

A program with nine scholarships is unlikely to advance deep into the postseason when its opponents have more scholarships to work with.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 2:43 PM
If everyone that's committed (currently) to this year's team stays, you are looking at a top 5 team in the country. Two potential all americans with Raulston and Johnson. Another top player in the country, Eli, is still unsure about returning. It could be an amazing year. But it all won't matter if they can't play in the postseason. I would love to see Bess win a third national title and then ride off into the sunset. The college would LOVE that!

-- Posted by FreyGuys on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 2:55 PM
Wonder what Steve Cookson's position is on this story. A couple of years ago, he was part of a movement to eliminate the signing of foreign players, which most felt was ludicrous!

-- Posted by semo7178 on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 2:57 PM
West Plains and State Fair were clearly more talented last season. This is just within the conference. Many more talented teams outside the conference.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 3:07 PM
Well, you have to keep in mind that 3R started out 15-3 before the loss of several key players caught up to them. They finished the season with only 6 scholarship players, all freshman. When the season began, they had more quality depth at the 3-4-5 positions than they normally do, and if you consider that Lee and Gibson are actually off guards, they were deep there too. So essentially, I don't agree with Dustin's comment about the impact of having 11 scholarships last season. Only 9 however, and you're treading on thin ice, I concur.

If their roster had remained intact, they were probably the second best team in the Region, and that's only because West Plains had the distinct advantage of having Lonnie Hayes, who was far and away better than any guard on the Raiders.

As stated earlier, being limited to 9 scholarships puts one at a disadvantage. All the pieces have to fall into place and you can't have any "busts" in your recruiting class. That's highly unlikely to happen.

If the Raiders can sign a quality point guard to pair up with Peebles and another inside presence, they should be back in the hunt this year...

Besides, they've won the region on more than one occasion without being the most talented team....

-- Posted by marcus aurelius on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 5:04 PM
marcus aurelius

The fact Three Rivers finished the season with so few players is a debateable topic in itself.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 9:42 PM
Nevertheless, it's hard to argue with the program's success outside of the last 12 - 18 months. But the next few seasons could be interesting.

-- Posted by Dustin Ward on Sun, Jun 26, 2011, at 9:51 PM
Let's just say they will have some nice players for next season new and returning and another winning season just like always.

-- Posted by bballfan40 on Mon, Jun 27, 2011, at 4:20 PM
If allowed, the Raiders could compete for another national title next season. They were really good last season until losing one of the best players in the country and then several players after that. Still had a good season for 90 percent of the programs in the country but a down year for the Raiders. It as amazing how many games Bess won with the little talent he finished with. They finished the season with the least talented team Ive seen in 20+ years of attending games!

-- Posted by FreyGuys on Mon, Jun 27, 2011, at 7:20 PM
I agree that is why they will be successful because Bess demands it. Remember you have to hate to lose before you love to win. And he gets players that love to win and hates to lose.

-- Posted by bballfan40 on Mon, Jun 27, 2011, at 9:33 PM
successful only if Jay can make it through the season which is 50/50 chance

-- Posted by BIGELW on Tue, Jun 28, 2011, at 2:18 PM
That's true about Raulston. He's is so dang talented but tends to get himself in trouble.

-- Posted by FreyGuys on Tue, Jun 28, 2011, at 4:01 PM
Ok we've talked it over for a week or two now has anyone heard what the response was from the college yet to the NJCAA??

-- Posted by bballfan40 on Tue, Jun 28, 2011, at 9:15 PM

Brian Rosener
An appeal was sent to the NJCAA, which now goes to the NJCAA's Executive Committee. The college can ask for a written appeal or a hearing at the next board meeting. If there's a written appeal the NJCAA will respond within 21 days.
I was told that there's NO postseason ban but the loss of scholorships stands.

-- Posted by FreyGuys on Sat, Jul 2, 2011, at 10:00 AM

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