Aug. 18
Baylor is still reeling from the tragedy that occurred when Patrick Dennehy was found dead from two gunshot wounds. Now this soap opera continues to spin wildly out of control.

Word came out that former coach Dave Bliss tried to cover up alleged NCAA violations -- he reportedly admitted to paying Dennehy's tuition, since Dennehy had transferred from New Mexico and wasn't on scholarship last season.

	Bliss

Bliss tried to cover up the alleged violations by telling assistant coaches and players to lie and suggest that Dennehy had been dealing drugs to pay for school, according to secretly recorded audiotapes. The recordings were made by assistant coach Abar Rouse.

Baylor's review committee found no evidence at all that Dennehy was involved in drug dealing.

How sad it is to see that this case reached this point -- that the coach was so desperate to survive that he would even suggest that the staff make up stories. In essence, Bliss committed coaching suicide. I don't see any way that he can resurface on the collegiate level again.

Tragically, this doesn't change the fact that Dennehy has died. Your heart bleeds for the Dennehy family, knowing that this all took place. It is a soap opera that doesn't seem to end.

It will be tough for Baylor's program to pick up the pieces now. There are indications that the program will continue for the 2003-04 season.

I don't see any way that Bliss can resurface on the collegiate level again.

Right now, though, there is no coach. And several players have decided to transfer, led by Wooden Award candidate Lawrence Roberts (who will attend Mississippi State) and John Lucas III (who reportedly has drawn interest from Georgia and San Diego State).

One of Baylor's top recruits, center Tyrone Nelson, now plans to go to Prairie View.

For Baylor to rebuild, the school will have to find a young, hungry assistant coach who can take the time to put things back together. It won't be easy, since the program is reeling as this soap opera continues to make the headlines.