The Mike Davis situation is an absolute joke. It is totally ridiculous. What does the guy have to do to secure the full-time head-coaching position? The University of Indiana has a proud, rich tradition in academics and athletics. Now the Hoosiers are embroiled in soap operas.

There is Bobby Knight. When will IU settle with their former coach? Knight hasn't filed a suit against the school, but he did submit a letter to reserve the right to sue should they not reach a settlement. This situation should have been settled a long time ago.

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Indiana should do the right thing and give Davis a deal before the tournament starts. ”

The school has not paid Knight's son, Pat, after he was let go as an assistant coach. Pat Knight gave them a year of work and has not received compensation for it -- and we're not talking mega-dollars here.

Back to the current situation: If ever a coach has earned a right to return to the sideline, it is Davis. He has operated under the toughest of times, replacing an icon. The pressure has been unbelievable, yet he has kept the team together. And there are plenty of Knight supporters who were against Davis, which made the situation even more difficult.

Not only has Davis kept this group together, he has seen them get better and better. This is a very young team, with everyone scheduled to return next season. The players want Davis back, and he has earned it.

This thing should be put to bed, with Davis getting a multi-year contract. There have been rumors about Steve Alford, which should be put away too. Remember the press conference Alford had at Iowa last year? He was emphatic in his statement that he is staying at Iowa.

Indiana should do the right thing and give Davis a deal before the tournament starts. He will have enough pressure on him in the tournament. He doesn't need this hanging over his -- or his player's -- heads. His kids deserve to enter the tournament with unity and no distractions.

My sources tell me Davis has lots of good scholastic prospects on his hit list. He has made progress in recruiting nationally. Indiana would move in a positive direction in the recruiting wars if the interim tag were removed.

The time has come for Davis to be named permanent head coach at Indiana.