[Goose]

In Muir's defense, people in development or not-officially-but-really-development -type roles will often say stuff like, "Yeah, I know him" when there's not one ounce of truth to it.

But truly, even aside from this allegation, Muir should have just fallen on his sword. That would be the honorable thing to do.

Agree with both. It did happen on his watch, so it is his responsibility, even if he was unaware of what was happening. It is his job to be aware, and it is
also his job to reinforce the (alleged) University values to his people. Obviously, he didn't do that well enough.

That said, I wonder if it is impossible for an athletic department to be completely "honest". They are somewhat in the "business" of getting kids into the University that otherwise may not be admitted. These kids are (ostensibly at least) typical Stanford students that get an "extra boost" because they are athletes. Once you allow that, I think it is pretty easy to convince yourself that taking a little "sugar" for your program along the way isn't so bad. After all, the kids that are getting the "help" are qualified (ostensibly), so why not? Obviously, it is a matter of degree, but I can sure see a slippery slope there. That is why having an AD that makes it very clear "this far, and no farther" is critical. That didn't happen, and that is on Muir.

[Goose]

In Muir's defense, people in development or not-officially-but-really-development -type roles will often say stuff like, "Yeah, I know him" when there's not one ounce of truth to it.

But truly, even aside from this allegation, Muir should have just fallen on his sword. That would be the honorable thing to do.

Agree with both. It did happen on his watch, so it is his responsibility, even if he was unaware of what was happening. It is his job to be aware, and it is
also his job to reinforce the (alleged) University values to his people. Obviously, he didn't do that well enough.

That said, I wonder if it is impossible for an athletic department to be completely "honest". They are somewhat in the "business" of getting kids into the University that otherwise may not be admitted. These kids are (ostensibly at least) typical Stanford students that get an "extra boost" because they are athletes. Once you allow that, I think it is pretty easy to convince yourself that taking a little "sugar" for your program along the way isn't so bad. After all, the kids that are getting the "help" are qualified (ostensibly), so why not? Obviously, it is a matter of degree, but I can sure see a slippery slope there. That is why having an AD that makes it very clear "this far, and no farther" is critical. That didn't happen, and that is on Muir.