• Show Search Options  • Search Tips


Section Front

Photo Essay

2007 NBA Finals2007 NBA Finals
The San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers battle on the hardwood.
2007 NBA Finals

Photo Essay

Week In SportsWeek In Sports
The week's biggest winners, losers and newsmakers.
Week In Sports

Photos

2007 Stanley Cup Finals2007 Stanley Cup Finals
The Anaheim Ducks defeat the Ottawa Senators to claim hockey's coveted trophy.
2007 Stanley Cup Finals



E-Mail This StoryPrintable VersionTag With del.icio.us



 
 
Thanks to the NCAA, we can't help you help the Garnier family
 
 
Dennis Dodd
By Dennis Dodd
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Dennis your opinion!
 
 

I want to give you Yamileth Garnier's address.

I've got it right here.

I want to publish it, and ask you to send her money. One tap of the keyboard could bring Yamileth and her son thousands of dollars. They would deserve it. They are two of the bravest souls I have met in covering college football for 20 years.

Yamileth is living in Boston near the poverty level, behind on the loans she has taken out trying to send her son Juan to school.

If you read my walk-on of the year story on Juan Garnier, then you know they deserve your help.

But I can't publish her address. Well, I can, but eventually it would become an NCAA violation. Hopefully enough people would be moved to contribute to the family. But undoubtedly some of those compassionate folks would be Ohio State fans, or fans of whatever school Juan might transfer to.

That's called an "extra benefit" in the NCAA's eyes. All athletes must be treated the same, which, unfortunately, is sometimes like dirt. Even when they are living day-to-day.

Publishing that address would be no different in the NCAA's eyes than an Ohio State booster handing a check to Juan Garnier on the street.

But rules shouldn't stand in the way of simple human kindness. Especially in extreme cases like this. The NCAA relented last year in a similar case. It allowed a fund to be set up for Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey. The 19-year-old Tigers defender was forced to take in his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr because their mother was addicted to crack cocaine.

The Garniers are in an equally unique situation. Yamileth is a single mother who raised her only child by working three jobs. The NCAA already has shown its compassion. In April, it allowed Juan an almost unprecedented two extra years of eligibility. The decision was based, in part, on Juan's treatment for depression.

There are thousands of walk-ons who probably think they deserve to have their addresses published. Yes and no. Most walk-ons are there without a scholarship because their parents can afford it.

Juan Garnier is walking on in hopes of saving himself and his mother from a life of poverty. Not necessarily by playing in the NFL. He is getting his criminology degree next month. He would like to go to law school after that.

Meanwhile, the Garniers can't hold out much longer. Juan pretty much needs a scholarship this fall to keep going at Ohio State. If not, he might be forced to transfer. Alabama is an option. There is no promise of a scholarship, just better financial aid.

Either way, the money problems won't end. Juan has student loans. His mother says she took out a loan for $55,000.

That's why I won't publish the address. It would do more harm than good to two wonderful people. That hurts me. It should hurt you.

That doesn't preclude a group of industrious college football fans from getting Yamileth's address on their own. Believe me, it's not that hard. What's to keep them from making an anonymous donation?

In this case, human decency should trump an NCAA bylaw.


TOP STORIES
Bush Stays The Course On Iraq
Congressional Opposition Unmoved By President's Arguments For Continued Military Involvement

NFL: The Patriots Cheated
Suspect Arrested In Girl's Hanging Death
Manhunt On For Suspected Cop Killer
• More

Back To Top Back To Top



E-Mail AlertsRSS FeedsPodcasts
Advertisement

Go To CBS News Video

TOP VIDEOSAll Videos


Watch VideoAuto Bailout Looks Like A Bust | Email this video

Watch VideoHelping Wounded Warriors | Email this video

Watch VideoJonas Bros. First Grammy Nod | Email this video

Watch VideoPa. Gov. Puts Foot In Mouth | Email this video

More Video


  • Show Search Options  • Search Tips
Wireless Alerts:  CBS News To Go  E-Mail Sign-Up:  Breaking News  |  Today On CBS News  |  60 Minutes  |  48 Hours  |  The Early Show  |  CBS Sunday Morning  |  News Summaries

Recommended Sites:  CBS Corporation  |  The ShowBuzz  |  Wallstrip  |  CBS.com  |  CBSSports.com  |  CWTV.com  |  ETOnline.com  |  The INSIDER  |  CBS Store  |  CBS Careers  |  CBS Cares
Breaking News© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.