Question

[mrydel]

I would like a little explanation of NCAA rules please. I have heard and read that Arkansas (as an example) due to infractions is limited to signing 23 athletes this year. They signed 30 yesterday. I continue to hear about non qualifiers, gray shirts, ineligibles, etc. BUT the fact is supposedly they were limited to SIGNING 23 and they SIGNED 30. That means those athletes are the "property" of Arkansas unless released or sit out a year at transfer does it not? To me, and I am just a simple man with a little old business degree from SMU but when the rule says sign only so many should you not be limited to signing just that many. If one were to wash out, then you could replace him with another.

I do not want this to become a forum for bashing the NCAA, but rather would just like to know if anyone has a true idea as to the real restrictions placed on a team on probation in regard to actually signing athletes.

[Stallion]

simply, you don't count the 23 until they are enrolled in school.

[mrydel]

Thanks. I think there should be a rule change for that in order that the punishment can fit the crime. I appreciate the quick response.

[Mike Damone]

Even if they weren't on probation, they could only sign 25. That's the most anybody can. Lots of schools sign more than allowed, knowing that some won't make it right away. It is partly for show, just to boost recruiting rankings; but also forms a relationship with a player. When others backed off, you stuck around and made sure they get a scholarship to a JUCO and let them know they have a place to go in a couple of years.