Ole Miss’ improprieties during the Hugh Freeze era continues to haunt the program.
After having just completed a two-year postseason ban, the Rebels are now being forced to vacate wins from their most successful run in the modern history of the program. The NCAA once again hit the school on Monday, forcing them to vacate a total of 33 victories over a seven-year span. (RELATED: Infamous Former Ole Miss Coach Hugh Freeze Reportedly Has Found A New Team)
“Brandon is a long, rangy player who can really run and be physical off the edge. He has a great family supporting him.”
— @freddierch8 on @_Mack7 pic.twitter.com/hQ5cAYbsWS— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) February 8, 2019
Ole Miss will be forced to vacate four wins from 2010, two from 2011, seven from 2012, seven from 2013, eight from 2014, and five from 2016. The vacated wins include the program’s 2014 home win over Alabama, widely considered one of the biggest wins in the school’s history.
It’s good to see that one of the worst moments of my childhood technically never happened.
But, here’s the thing. It did happen. I watched it. Everybody watched it, which is why vacating wins is such a dumb punishment. College football is about the experience, the adrenaline rush of a close game and the memories you make with friends and family.
So, while Ole Miss has been justifiably hammered for their recklessness, the experiences and memories are not something that can be retroactively taken away.
Good job, good effort, NCAA.