If It Smells Like a Rat...

If you committed several misdemeanors in your life, but were told how great you were at your job, you'd probably think you could get away with an unlawful transgression here or there.  Eventually, the thrill of being superior to the law may catch up with you and your misdemeanors morph into more egregious crime.  You might even get caught from time to time, but that doesn't stop you.  You seek another opportunity at your craft.  Nothing provides this thrill; you can't walk away.

Bruce Pearl is such a criminal.  Outrageous you say?  Please be advised of the following: 

Pearl admitted lying to NCAA investigators when they were looking into possible recruiting violations made by the Tennessee coaching staff.  (Okay, not that uncommon.)

Pearl and his coaches piled-up 10 major violations, including an unethical conduct charge against the coach.  (That's not good.)

When asked by investigators where a photo of Pearl and two recruits -- high school juniors -- was taken, Pearl told them he didn't know the location. The photo turned out to be taken during a barbeque at Pearl's home. (Offensive and hilarious)

However, by the time you are done reading this column, Pearl will continue making his $948,728 through June 2012.  That's slightly more serious than a reckless driving fine, wouldn't you say?  He's been dismissed by an school that put faith in him to shine relevance on a program overshadowed by football and the women's team that claim the same gym floor, appropriately titled "The Summit." 

Tennessee sits cowering as an SEC afterthought and now, Pearl wants your school's money, too.

It's not fair to say Pearl has had this "criminal" track record for his entire coaching career.  Much like most college basketball coaches, Pearl spent time as an assistant and at Division II Southern Indiana, accrued accolades and wins until his first Division I gig at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  He was great there, too, taking the Panthers to two NCAA tournaments and making the team a staple at the top of the very competitive Horizon League.

Tenneessee came a'callin once Pearl's persona and flare became no match for little Milwaukee.

Cash and clamour make Pearl who he is, certainly not loyalty and ethics or even good, fundamental coaching.  Pearl is in our short-term memory as a Volunteer, but his time as an Illinois and Iowa assistant ruined coaching ties with the people he worked with.  He didn't have to settle for Southern Indiana or Milwaukee - he was relegated there because he flaunted over himself so much and made enemies with his ego.  He quickly spotted teams and schools in need of some chatter and glitz and he turned their programs around as soon as he stepped foot on their campus.

Pearl knows EXACTLY what he's doing.  It only takes one desperate athletic director looking for attention for their school to give Pearl a call.  And we all know he won't work for free...

Be advised, respective ADs and university presidents: you risk selling your soul to get one or two reversals of fortunes on the hardwood only to have Pearl and his track record jettison you for a better opportunity or a safer hiding spot.  If you want a coach that loses to Michigan by 30 points during the biggest game of your season, he's got his phone handy.  Michigan was an above-average team in a power conference, but 30 points?  Tennessee had some good wins in his six years in Knoxville, but even the most diehard Volunteer fans were appalled by his boisterous sideline tirades and lack of preparation for their opponents.  His charm in his first three seasons evolved into static and lack of organization in his latter three.

Now Pearl wants another chance, but without the intense therapy and jail sentence most criminals have to endure.  It's sad to think he will probably get that chance.  Bob Huggins, Larry Eustachy and Todd Bozeman are all great coaching stories of redemption, each propelling their lives in direction that helps young people succeed and make institutions look good in the faith each placed  in them.

For the right price, this man can be the face of your university.

Pearl is different.  Pearl's sense of entitlement and arrogant approach to his craft scream of another major violation just waiting to happen.  In retrospect, Pearl has robbed his former employer of close to $1 million and took a month's vacation during the apex of competition this past season.  If this is what you want leading your school, Pearl is standing by.