jjAs if we needed more proof, the NCAA is winking its face off at a clear violation of the organization’s rules just because a political candidate is involved.

Everyone knows — or should know — that I’m completely in the tank for the Tar Heels. Yet their pick-up game yesterday with Barack Obama, watched from the sidelines by coach Roy Williams, totally violated the ban on coaches watching players during a NCAA “blackout” period.

The N&O reports today that the NCAA will take no action because of the “unique” nature of the situation. Well, excuse me, but the NCAA is a past master of enforcing the letter of the law on countless unique situations, most involving absolutely no intent to break the rules or gain an advantage.

I’d have more respect — scratch that, I have none — for the NCAA if it had said it would send a letter to Williams reminding him of the pick-game rule, warning him not to do it again. As it stands, the NCAA’s situational ethics confirms the group’s standing near the top of my most-hated list.

To those joining us in progress that list runs:

  1. Any phone company
  2. The NCAA
  3. Al Qaida
  4. MADD
  5. Child molesters

Watch your backs, people. Myles Brand is still at large.