Clemons has that guilty look

There's a hideous picture of Ricky Clemons floating around that makes the former University of Missouri guard look like a hardened criminal. You know the one I'm talking about -- where he looks like he just crawled out of that spider hole Saddam was hiding in.

When people see that picture, the alleged scandal taking place at the University of Missouri pops into their head. And while the picture may portray Clemons accurately, he served his time. Unfortunately, the image has branded the University of Missouri with the hot iron of guilt by association.

Quin Synder has compiled a 62-38 record and led the team to three NCAA Tournament appearances since 1999. He's turned around the team off the court.

Last year, the team had its highest GPA in 15 years. The success in the classroom could be attributed to Snyder, who was an Academic All-American during his playing days at Duke.

If you're a casual fan, you've already hanged Snyder and his program because of what you're reading in the newspaper.

In the court of the NCAA, where it's guilty until proven innocent, the powers that be don't hesitate to suspend players who are suspected of doing anything illegal.

But yet Synder is still coaching, and Ricky Paulding and Arthur Johnson (two players suspected of receiving illegal financial help) are still playing.

Which tells me this: Don't believe everything you hear.

And don't brand a coach or a program for taking a chance on a troubled kid. Snyder must have seen some good in Ricky Clemons to have taken a chance on recruiting him. How can you blame a coach for giving a troubled kid a little hope?

One fly in the iced tea doesn't necessarily ruin the whole glass. You just have to pick that fly out and keep drinking.

Try not to let anything ruin your week ahead:

Today

Here's another program on the rise thanks to Gary Garner, who is 98-85 in seven seasons with Southeast Missouri State U. Southeast tips off its final non-conference game at home against North Texas at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday

I just hope Bruce Weber can get his boys up for this one, because it's all about the Braggin' Rights: Missouri vs. Illinois at Savvis Center at 8 p.m.

Friday

Don't get up early to take back those presents you didn't want. Instead, sleep in and then check out the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament at the Show Me Center. Among the featured games on the first day: Bell City vs. Meadow Heights, 4:30 p.m; Advance vs. Woodland, 6; Scott Central vs. Kelly, 7:30.

Saturday

If you can't make it to the Illinois game on Tuesday:Missouri at Memphis at 11 a.m.

David Wilson is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian and a student at Central High School.