Why punish current student athletes for the inaction of thier coaches years ago?
Why would people want to play for such a coaching staff. How many fights will start, during future games, the trash talk these people will take will be out of this world. A lot of freshman will be switching schools shortly, and no high school kid will wish to go there, if he is smart.
They are not being punished, anymore than a baseball game canceled by rain is punishment.
Why lie?
The situation is crappy for them, but that does not make it punishment. Circumstances sometimes suck. Its a life lesson that needs to be learned.