NCAA Task Force Considering Tighter Rules on Recruiting

[Cheesesteak]

March 30, 2004
SportsLine.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- College recruits could face curfews, limits on off-campus activities and fewer paid visits next fall, if recruiting changes are approved by the NCAA next month.

An NCAA task force on recruiting debated all three changes Monday in its first face-to-face meeting in Indianapolis. A formal proposal is expected to be submitted to the NCAA's management council by April 20.

"We discussed all those kinds of things," said David Berst, the task force's chairman. "We're trying to come up with a principle-based approach."

Berst declined to discuss which specific changes may be in the task force's draft proposal, which he expects to complete within 10 days.

Berst, an NCAA vice president and former head of enforcement, said there was unanimity among the task force's 18 members that changes were needed in the wake of several highly publicized recruiting scandals.

In the most prominent case, three women are suing Colorado University after claiming they were raped during or just after a December 2001 off-campus party for football players and recruits.

At Miami, Willie Williams, the team's top recruit this year, has been arrested 11 times since 1999 -- a record school officials said they were unaware of when he signed a national letter of intent.

Hurricanes coach Larry Coker said this month he was partly aware of Williams' criminal past. The school has suspended the processing of Williams' admissions application leaving his future with the Hurricanes clouded.

Those cases prompted NCAA President Myles Brand to form the task force in February, hoping new recruiting rules could be in place before next fall. Brand attended the first part of Monday's meeting to explain his thoughts about what Berst described as appropriate approaches.

Brand has called the actions in some cases "morally reprehensible."

Berst said he believes the task force will meet Brand's timetable by submitting a formal proposal next month.

"I think we can get it done," he said. "It will not be without some effort and some extreme effort."

Berst also acknowledged that Monday's wide-ranging discussion included the possibility of eliminating paid visits entirely although it was unclear if that would be among the proposed changes.

If paid visits were eliminated, Berst said, there was concern it could hurt opportunities for athletes with families who could not afford to pay for trips.

"That's something that has been said by those thinking it's not a good idea," he said.

Among other possible changes are shortening campus visits from 48 hours to 24 hours, reducing from five to three or four the number of visits a student can take and capping university spending on travel, meals and lodging.

"I think there is broad-based support to do something," Berst said. "The question is what principles and what environment are we attempting to create and what's the best mechanism to move in that direction."

Typically, NCAA rules changes can take months or years.

Brand, however, has asked that the recruiting proposal be put on the fast track.

[PonyTales]

March 30, 2004
SportsLine.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- College recruits ....

Among other possible changes are shortening campus visits from 48 hours to 24 hours, reducing from five to three or four the number of visits a student can take and capping university spending on travel, meals and lodging....

I like the idea of making things even, but I'm not convinced this is the way to do it. If we shorten the length of visits, that will reduce the time a recruit has to visit all that SMU has to offer, and that's a lot. And reducing the number of visits is a killer, I think. As much as Coach Bennett has (and Coach Tubbs will) improve the quality of recruits coming to SMU, we're still not a national power when it comes to this. We don't have a 100,000-seat stadium and a membership in a BCS conference. We have to have every chance to sell what we can, and if a strong player has one or two fewer visits allowed, he might skip SMU altogether.

I like the intent behind the move, but this isn't the right way to go at it, at least not for SMU.

[Mexmustang]

I laughed at myself when I first thought of this...but, it may make sense. Require a parent or guardian to accompany the recruit.

[Water Pony]

I think some restriction on the recruiting will only benefit us. We can't out spend them.

Our assets so need better visibility to recruits; but the same is true, maybe more so, for the big guys.

Reforms and a more level playing field give us a better chance. Hard to say that today, when multiple paid visits, jets, dinners, large stadium, etc. can overwhelm a recruit.

Give us one quality visit and may the best school and staff win.

[Mike Damone]

The only reason any school should ever want shorter visits is if they have nothing to sell. I hope that isn't the case here.

[EastStang]

I really don't care about the length of the visit. I do think having parents accompany the players would be good in that it might clean up some of the sex, drinking, drugs, etc. Also, I remember when I visited SMU my dad's comments had a great impact on my final decision. We have a great University to sell, and a great opportunity for life after college that Iowa State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, can't equal. You want to sell life insurance in Lincoln, or do you want to own the insurance company. Dad will like that kind of comparison. Under current rules Junior is comparing the bj he got at Minnesota with the great future he could have by going to SMU. We all know where he's going to go.

[Mike Damone]

Junior is comparing the bj he got at Minnesota

Eww, Minnesota chicks. Built a little too much for the cold weather.

[mrydel]

I am afraid that if you start throwing the parents into the mix you will discover a whole new array of problems. Many of these parents, especially the dads live vicariously through their child. A wild eyed father on a recruiting trip could get into a lot more trouble than the kids are now. Wait until the first scandal of a dad getting caught with a coed or a stripper and see what happens. I truly believe more dads than you think would not only get a little crazy, but have a little more opportunity to "request" a little something if their child attends the school. I know all of us come from good wholesome families and our folks would never do such a thing, but I know many others that would worry me. I wonder if Mesquitestang or whatever that name was would like to weigh in on this subject.