Some Outside Interests Are Good in Recruiting
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By DERON SNYDER
Now that Penn State’s shocking stream of sad news has slowed, the NCAA can turn its attention to less-depressing matters … good, old-fashioned recruiting violations! While Jerry Sandusky’s atrocities were unimaginable and led to unprecedented penalties, the NCAA can walk its well-worn path in handling the likes of, say, Central Florida.
UCF received sanctions Tuesday, added to the school’s self-imposed penalties, that include a one-year postseason ban in men’s basketball and football. The NCAA also slapped the school with a “lack of institutional control” charge and a $50,000 fine, all based on engaging with outside entities in luring prospective athletes.
Greg Sankey, an NCAA infractions committee member, told the Associated Press that UCF’s situation was troubling because there was “knowledge of the representatives or third parties being involved in the recruiting process and [school officials] facilitated that.”
If the NCAA is serious about changing the culture of big-time college sports — especially men’s basketball — it can begin with the runners, street agents and various intermediaries involved at the top level of recruiting. Sorting through the bad guys and good Samaritans won’t be easy, though.
