What this investigation really means.

Usually when you try to put things into perspective you highlight the positive or at least try to see how a situation may not be so bad.  However the recent academic and honor code issues have left Irish fans a bit unsettled to say the least.  Over the past several years the Notre Dame Football program has seen more than its fair share of improprieties as it pertains to its players.  Some people may say these issues are not a big deal in the landscape of college sports compared to other programs and players who have had matters that have arisen into criminal charges.  We know that Notre Dame is not like other programs and our student athletes are (or at least should not be) like other players.

These have been Notre Dame issues not football issues, meaning the college deals with students who happen to be on the football team.  Notre Dame has always been seen as a elite level institution of higher learning.  The Golden Dome has been tarnished in the past to be sure, maybe it is the timing but the question is being raised about the level or "type" of players the Irish are bringing to South Bend.  To recap; Everett Golson, Tommy Rees, Caro Calabrese, Davris Daniels, and now Keivarae Russell, Kendall Moore, Ishaq Williams and again Davaris Daniels.

There is little doubt that this could hurt the Irish in terms of football; possible vacating of previous wins, loss of talented players which could lead to loss of games and potential NCAA penalties.  The higher you are the greater you will fall and that is true even in South Bend.  Speaking to alumni who were not Notre Dame Football players they want the University to hold everyone accountable, to have high standards and although this may be embarrassing it must be addressed.  It is more disturbing to have the reputation of the school than to have a subpar football team.  Unfortunately at Notre Dame they have been able to have both in the past.   

What's the worst case scenario?  The internal investigation ends in the dismissal of all four students from not only the football program but from the university itself.  The 2012 undefeated season is no longer undefeated as wins from 2012 and 2013 are forfeited.  Notre Dame's reputation is permanently stained hurting future recruitment.

From a football perspective; it is The Next Man In.  Overall the Irish have as much potential and depth as they have inexperience.  It is not so much the potential loss of talent and experience here (exception of Keivarae Russell) but the thinning of the depth chart and with Kelly saying there will be a lot of players seeing the field depending on situation and scheme it is all hands on deck.  It also could be a huge distraction for the players on and off the field.

There is little doubt listening to Brian Kelly he is frustrated.  Some may point to Kelly for blame but I am not one of those people.  Kelly is accountable since these are his kids, he recruited them and it is happening under his watch.  Kelly does not hide from controversy but he does need to fix it.

I understand that we are talking about 18-21 year olds but they need to understand that they are not only under a microscope but tut they are also expected to be held to a higher level, although doing your own work is not being held to a higher level.  It is at the very least disappointing, it should be and is embarrassing and needs to be fixed not to ensure wins on the field of play but to ensure wins in life for those going to Notre Dame.