When Sports Illustrated decided to uncover the dirty side of college athletics,  they chose Oklahoma State football for their witch hunt investigation. Immediately, hole after hole after recanted statement led to hasty editing and egg on the face of SI.

Now, it is April of 2015 and the NCAA and OSU have finished their own investigations and announced punishment. Here is a breakdown of the essentials:

• A one-year probation period from April 24, 2015, through April 23, 2025 (NO POSTSEASON BAN).
• A $5,000 fine.
• a $3,500 fine representing $500 for each of seven games in which a football student-athlete participated where he shouldn't.
• a limit of 30 official visits per year during 2015-16 and 2015-16 years (self-imposed) (less than 30 official visits is the norm)
• A reduction in the number of evaluation days by 10 in the fall and spring during 2015-16 and 2015-16 years (self-imposed)
• A reduction of coaches participating in off-campus  evaluations by one (10 to nine in the fall and nine to eight in the spring; self-imposed)
• The disbanding of Orange Pride, and may not organize another student group for recruiting for four years.

So, there you go. $8,500 and no more Orange Pride. You can read the full report here. I bet the soles of those worn out boots that worked so hard to bring justice are finally at ease.

In all seriousness, the door is now officially closed on what has been one of the biggest circuses for journalism and Cowboy athletics.  Now, we can go back to worrying about position battles instead of a 5th stringer getting $100 handshakes.