Edgar likely coached his last game at Southeast

Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Scott Edgar put up a brave front Thursday as he addressed alleged NCAA rules violations under his watch.

In a statement issued through his attorney, Edgar denied knowingly committing any NCAA infractions and said he looked forward to continuing to coach the Redhawks in the future.

But barring something of a miracle in his favor, I can't see Edgar, who was placed on administrative leave Thursday, ever coaching another game at Southeast.

Edgar being placed on administrative leave came three days after the NCAA notified Southeast of alleged major violations involving the men's basketball program.

Southeast has until Jan. 2 to submit formal written responses to the allegations. The university anticipates the NCAA will consider the case at either its Feb. 20 and 21 meeting in San Diego or its April 17 and 18 meeting in Indianapolis.

Considering the timing of those two meetings, Edgar virtually is assured of not coaching the entire season.

The NCAA's letter sent to the university alleges five infractions specific to the men's basketball program under Edgar.

While observing players participating in summer strength and conditioning activities and out-of-season pick-up games -- as Edgar is alleged to have done -- might seem trivial, two of the alleged infractions appear to be the most damaging.

One is that Edgar had a hand in paying approximately $239 for a player's institutional fees. Failure to pay the fees prevents a student from enrolling in classes.

The other is that Edgar provided false and misleading information to Southeast and the NCAA enforcement staff during questioning about his involvement in and knowledge of the alleged violations.

Some might say, "A coach watching players work out, what's the big deal?" But if you're paying to make sure a player can enroll in school, I don't know too many people who would scoff at that.

And if you're lying to the NCAA, I don't know too many people who scoff at that either.

I'm a firm believer in the innocent-until-proven-guilty creed, and right now these are just allegations. Edgar may be able to prove the allegations false. We'll see.

As for the short-term future of Southeast basketball, which begins practice Friday, the university said an acting coach will be named in the next few days.

One of Southeast's three assistants virtually is certain to fill the post, with my bet on Zac Roman.

As for the long-term future of Southeast hoops -- specifically who will take over the program following this season if Edgar doesn't return -- I'm sure there will be no shortage of candidates.

Here's one vote for former Southeast assistant Tom Schuberth, who last season was the national independent coach of the year after leading Texas-Pan American to an 18-13 record.

Schuberth was Southeast's chief recruiter when the then-Indians had by far their most Division I success, going 62-28 over a three-year period from 1998-99 through 2000-01. That includes the program's only OVC title and NCAA Division I tournament appearance in 1999-2000.

I would love to see Schuberth back at Southeast, and from every conversation I've had with him over the last few years, he would love to come back.

We?ll see how everything plays out.

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The Southeast football team, after an open date, resumes play Saturday with an interesting game at Eastern Illinois.

EIU has been one of the OVC's powers in recent years, and the Panthers again appear to have considerable talent.

But the Panthers are reeling right now, having dropped their first two OVC contests, and are currently not ranked in the Division I-AA top 25 for the first time since 2005.

EIU (2-4, 0-2) has lost as many OVC games this season as in the previous three years combined.

Southeast (2-4, 0-2 OVC) will no doubt be a significant underdog Saturday, but maybe the Panthers will be a bit vulnerable.

Southeast actually had one of its better performances of last season at home against the Panthers, leading 16-14 in the third quarter before falling 31-16 to an EIU team that finished second in the OVC and made the playoffs.

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Jacksonville State's 38-35 loss at Eastern Kentucky Saturday threw the OVC race into a real tizzy.

Tennessee State is now the only team without a league loss, while Jacksonville State, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin and Murray State all have one defeat.

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Saturday was a big day for major college football, with a host of huge matchups and great games, topped by Texas' thrilling 45-35 win over previous No. 1 Oklahoma.

But it was a disappointing day for Missouri fans, who saw the Tigers' hopes of a perfect season end with a 28-23 loss to visiting Oklahoma State.

I wondered if there was any defense that could slow down Mizzou's high-powered offense. For one game at least, the Cowboys had that defense.

It's always easy to say a team didn't play well when it loses, and the Tigers didn't perform up to their normal standards.

But you've got to give the Cowboys credit for the way they performed. OSU appears legit.

And, considering all the highly regarded one-loss teams out there, Mizzou still has a shot at the national championship, although the Tigers can afford no more slip-ups.

The Tigers will get a chance to climb right back into the national title hunt Saturday when they visit Texas, which now is ranked No. 1.

Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.