Raines Remains Quiet At Memphis

((HT: WHBQ-TV))

She is the genteel, yet academically driven, woman who historically broke through the "glass ceiling" as the first female President of the University of Memphis. For nearly eight years, Shirley Raines ((pictured, thanks Memphis Commercial Appeal)) has committed to elevating the educational standards at U of M to her highest priority.

In 2005, when her name was mentioned as a possible candidate for the then vacant UT Presidency, Raines told FOX13 News, her decision to stay here was based on "I think it takes a while to build the kinds of accomplishments we want to see for the University."

But, Commercial Appeal columnist, Geoff Caulkins, is among those who note when it comes to providing direction or assuming responsibility for the oft-times troubled U of M Athletic Department, Raines often silently demures to the "good ole boy system."

Caulkins says, "I can't judge what sort of University President Shirley has been. I don't know. I don't think as a sports presence. The athletic department. That she's been particularly effective. Your images of Shirley Raines, for good or ill, or Shirley Raines singing I'm so glad I go to U of M."

On Thursday, President Raines turned down a request from FOX13 News to respond to allegations contained in a previously withheld notification of an NCAA investigation, which contained charges that former Tiger basketball star, Derrick Rose, may have had someone else take his college entrance exam.

Since the official letter came directly to Raines, nearly four months ago.....and the fact she's been requested to appear before an NCAA inquiry board in Indianapolis next week....her failure to directly comment on the allegations is frustrating as the person on the top rung of school's hierarchy.

Caulkins asserts, "She's obviously embarrassed. I would imagine she would have to be by this. And yet, I think the silence is unfortunate. So, you have R.C. (Johnson) not saying much. Shirley saying nothing at all. You have Kentucky issuing press releases saying this is a Memphis problem. But, no one from Memphis is really addressing it."

However, an absence of comment from Raines, other than occasional printed statements over the years, has become a pattern when it comes to problems especially related to decisions on issues arising in the Tiger basketball program.

Under former head coach, John Calipari, the list of troubled players, arrests for assaults, drugs and questions over a perceived lack of disciplinary recourse was never formally addressed by Raines except to say, those were coaches responsibilities. Caulkins says the grim reality for Tiger fans might be that Coach Cal's departure has left a bigger void than Raines or embattled Athletic Director, R.C. Johnson, might want to admit.

Caulkins concludes, "I have this overwhelming sense that for the last five years, everyone has essentially turned the athletic department over to John. And now they're trying to figure out what to do with it."

Here's Les Smith's piece on Raines from our friends at WHBQ-TV