Some random comments reading through this thread after work:
1. Unlikely that any school receives the "death penalty" but Louisville activity could warrant it. They were paying huge money only days after being penalized for hooker parties.
2. I often read that the NCAA turns a blind eye to much worse matters like rape and murder, and paying players isn't that big of a deal. I understand the point and I think there is a strong case to pay the players. However, the NCAA is not there to handle criminal matters. It's there to enforce rules of amateur athletics, even if it's rife with all sorts of hypocrisy. They are not criminal prosecutors.
3. Is college sports really anything more than a minor league with no rules or salary cap? What is Kentucky? Is it more than just a gym in Lexington that pays better than a gym in Boulder? I struggle being a fan. My heart loves it, but my head says I'm wrong to watch college athletics. But then I remember the many smart players I met at CU, as good as any "regular" student, and it makes me feel better. I believe in the purpose of college athletics, but question the execution.
4. If Nike gets implicated, will Phil Knight be barred from giving to Oregon athletics? I believe the NCAA can do that. Almost like slapping him with a show cause. Never going to happen, but fun to imagine.