Former MU basketball players weigh in on NCAA violations

Two former University of Missouri men’s basketball players said it’s not fair that the current players are being punished for violations that happened in the past.

John Burns, who played at MU from ’89 to ’93 under head coach Norm Stewart, said the head coach at the time is the person who should be held responsible.

“I find it unfortunate that exceptions are made for athletes, but it’s going to continue until someone stops it,” he said. “I think applying these violations to the current student-athletes is unfair.”

Jarrett Sutton, who played during the ’08-’12 seasons, said an NCAA violation is something a college athlete should never have to worry about.

“You’re job as a student-athlete should be to go to class, do the best you can in school, and handle yourself the right way,” he said. “You get to wear a uniform and play for your university. There’s nothing better than that.”

As a former player, Sutton said he would have a lot of questions to why the team was being punished why. He said he feels for the team, but thinks this could be a good learning experience for the young squad.

“All you can do is stick together. That’s all you got is everybody in that locker room and coaches included,” he said. “Tomorrow’s a new day and you get back at it and hopefully try to win some games in conference play. Don’t let this hold you back.”

As the team moves forward, Burns said he’s confident coach Anderson will lead the team in the right direction.

“I know Kim Anderson is a man of high integrity and he will do the right thing, which is getting those student-athletes to graduate.”