It is finished.

Well, looks like we all can finally let go of any shred of hope we had that the Pac-10 would nut up and to the right thing with regards to the Oregon disaster. This is an e-mail sent out by Athletic Director Jim Sterk today, awesomely forwarded to me by couginthepink:

Dear Cougar Athletics Fan,

Over the past three weeks I have been inundated with comments from alumni, donors, members of the Pullman community, and Cougars fans across the country regarding the officials' decision to issue a technical foul on our bench with point-three seconds remaining in the first overtime of the Dec. 31, 2009 men's basketball game vs. the University of Oregon. That came after one of our student-athletes made a basket to give the Cougars a two-point lead in a highly-contested game.

Following the game I asked the Pac-10 for an official review of the game officials interpretation at the end of the first overtime. I received a response from Larry Scott, Commissioner of the Pacific-10 Conference, which stated: "I have now had a chance to review the matter along with our men's basketball officiating coordinator Bill McCabe, and head of men's basketball Dave Hirsch.  We together reviewed the video replays and Bill has had several follow-up discussions with the officials who worked the game. In short, I have concluded that the playing rules were enforced correctly."

The conference stated the playing rules were enforced correctly at the end of the first overtime, determining that it remained a "live ball" situation and therefore we prevented continuous play. I then sent the Pac-10 a copy of the coaches' video from the contest, including views they were not provided from the original game telecast. The conference reviewed the second video and reaffirmed its initial review of the play.

At this point we have no other recourse but to abide by the conference’s interpretation and move forward. We appreciate the support of all Cougar fans and look forward to seeing the Cougar Nation pack Friel Court throughout the season.

All the best,

Jim Sterk

So, there you have it. The Pac-10 has decided with finality to fly in the face of what has officially been declared by the NCAA and cling to its incorrect interpretation of the rule. We all probably suspected this would be the ultimate result, but to hear the Pac-10 not just say they won't step in but affirm what happened? I'm long since being upset about this; now I just shake my head in disgust at yet another black eye for the conference.

They seriously must think we all are idiots. If they want to see idiots, though, I can tell them where to look. (It begins with an "m," end with an "r," and has a couple of more "r"s in between.)

BEAT THOSE DAMN TROJANS!