Ethics of Recruiting: Tennessee Football

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/09/sports/ncaafootball/09tennessee.html

This article discusses an investigation on the recruiting practices used by the University of Tennessee's football staff. It is suggested that they have violated recruiting regulations and have used legendary Tennessee football stars to persuade perspective student athletes to commit to their school.

I think that recruiting in the NCAA is a very tricky, and touchy subject. There are many rules that the normal population does not understand. A perspective student athlete has strict rules on who they can talk to and under what circumstances. If these regulations are violated a player may lose their eligibility.

Personally, I think that some of these rules are a little over the top, and I understand that it makes it difficult for an athlete to make an informed decision. However, I think that they are set up in a way that provides each athlete and each school with a fair chance at matching up with the perfect fit. I think that these rules are essential in order to eliminate one school from becoming to big of a powerhouse in a certain sport.

I am glad that the NCAA is continuing to investigate recruiting practices, and I hope that other schools learn from Tennessee and recruit in the right way.