Soccer coach suspended for not bringing full squad to tournament

If only the Indianapolis Colts had thought of this when they were so nonchalantly throwing away a chance of perfection: just leave some of your best players at home, and then fold easily as an undermatched squad.

That’s what FSU women’s soccer coach Mark Krikorian attempted this weekend in regards to the ACC Tournament in Greensboro, N.C. Presumably with his eyes on the larger prize of an NCAA tournament, Krikorian left several starters back in Tallahassee to get some rest (as much rest as anyone ever gets in Tallahassee, anyways). The ACC was less than amused, and suspended Krikorian for one game, among other things.

Florida State must forfeit its ACC tournament expense reimbursement of roughly $15,000. Krikorian must miss the Seminoles’ next game, even if it comes in the NCAA tournament. He and athletic director Randy Spetman will receive a letter of reprimand from the conference and must submit a letter of apology by Nov. 12.

There’s strategy and gamesmanship and then there’s undermining the credibility of your sport by leaving several healthy key players at home, and the ACC seems to be sending a clear message that any further similar tactics by FSU or anyone else will not be tolerated. You have to at least give the appearance of trying out there, guys.

Clearly the NFL doesn’t have a similar sentiment though — the Buffalo Bills haven’t shown up all year.

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ACC fines FSU, suspends women’s soccer coach [Associated Press]