NCAA May Clamp Down On Recruiting

Task Force Head Tells Congress Booze, Drugs, Sex Won't Be Tolerated

(CBS/AP)  The NCAA is considering strict new recruiting standards, including a ban on university-funded visits, after allegations the University of Colorado and other schools used sex and parties to lure star high school athletes.

S. David Berst, chairman of an NCAA task force reviewing recruiting rules, said it's clear current standards are inadequate.

"Up to this point institutions have said to us, 'We can handle that.' I think the recent revelations that have come about ... require attention to the cultural issues and I believe it's the right opportunity to step in," Berst told a congressional subcommittee Thursday. "Let me be clear as well: The use of alcohol, drugs and sex as recruiting inducements cannot and will not be tolerated."

The ban on university-funded recruitment visits — instead, athletes would have to pick up the costs — is the most severe change under consideration, according to Berst's testimony. Final recommendations are expected in the next several weeks.

The task force, consisting of athletic directors, administrators and student athletes, also could shorten visits from 48 hours to 24 hours, prohibit off-campus entertainment and limit spending on plane tickets, meals and hotels. It also may require schools to provide lodging and meals on campus.

NCAA President Myles Brand created the task force after reports of tactics used by the University of Colorado and other schools to attract top prospects. He wants the changes in place before the next college football recruiting season.

Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., who coached the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers for 25 years, said college recruiting is much more regulated today than when he started coaching. Most college coaches do not see a benefit from breaking the rules, he said, and it would be unwise for Congress to try to legislate a solution.

"There is going to be a certain percentage that are going to cheat on their taxes ... that are going to cheat in recruiting. That's just the way it is," he said. "For us to make rules would be very difficult. It would be like having the Washington Redskins come in and write tax policy. They just don't understand it."

"Sports has become a cancer in our culture," testified Don McPhearson, executive director of the Sports Leadership Institute. "Intercollegiate athletics, higher education and athletics in its current forum in this country (are) out of control."

University of Colorado President Elizabeth Hoffman said the school has taken steps to ensure recruits are safe. Last week, she issued new rules prohibiting recruits from attending private parties, requiring adult supervision of recruits at all times and establishing an earlier curfew.

The move comes after three women sued the school, alleging they were raped by football players or recruits in 2001. The women claim the school used the promise of sex to entice recruits.

In all, seven women, including Colorado's former place-kicker, said they have been raped since 1997, although no charges have been filed. And reports have cited instances where escorts and strippers were hired to entertain recruits.

The school is investigating and the governor has appointed the state's attorney general as a special prosecutor. The school's head football coach, Gary Barnett, is on paid administrative leave.

Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., questioned the practice of assigning attractive female students to escort athletes around campus and accompany recruits to off-campus parties, a practice she said could put them at risk of being sexually assaulted.

That would require a change in culture, said McPhearson, a former All-American quarterback at Syracuse who played in both the NFL and CFL.

"The reality is that student-athletes ... are not coming to a visit to go to the library," he said.

Members stressed that Colorado is not the only school under scrutiny. Several cases were referred to during the hearing, including recent felony charges against University of Miami's top recruit, Willie Williams.

Williams was charged after setting off three fire extinguishers in his hotel and grabbing a woman against her will during a visit to Florida over Super Bowl weekend. He was on probation for a burglary charge and had 10 prior arrests.

According to the NCAA database, 31 schools have been sanctioned for major recruiting violations since 2000. Many involved coaches giving cash, plane tickets or other prohibited benefits to the high school athletes or family members.