First Down: 5 silliest NCAA punishments

THE BEST OF THE WEEKEND IN SPORTS

NASCAR Sprint Cup at Bristol

Tony Stewart has been the best and most consistent driver all year. But he has won at Bristol only once, and that was back in 2001.

Redskins vs. Steelers

This time, the Redskins will try to score points.

Phillies at Mets

This was shaping up to be one of the best rivalries in sports until New York’s struggles this year. But the Phillies, who are trying to stave off the Braves and Marlins, still want to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Mets.

TWT FIVE SILLIEST NCAA PUNISHMENTS

1. Vacating wins- The NCAA wants everyone to pretend that a Final Four berth never happened. While we’re at it, can we erase the painful memory of our awkward high school years, along with every song by Flock of Seagulls?

2. Taking away scholarships - What’s the logic here? That nice high school kid who played well and studied hard but can’t afford college should be penalized for the indiscretions of others?

3. Fines - Athletic departments bring in tens of millions of dollars. Coaches are usually the highest-paid university employees. A few thousand bucks doesn’t mean squat.

4. No postseason play - So the team doesn’t get to spend Christmas Eve at the Cream of Wheat Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Boo hoo.

5. Probation - It’s defined in the NCAA rulebook as something “designed on a case-by-case basis to focus on the institution’s administrative weaknesses.” In other words, it’s really vague and probably meaningless.

HE SAID WHAT?

“I always thrived under pressure, and the more pressure the situation, the better I performed.” — new Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo