NCAA: Fix this bug
The Stinchcomb brothers set the bar pretty high for academic achievement among Georgia offensive linemen, but incoming guard Chris Burnette will be coming to Athens with an academic profile every bit as impressive. If you followed recruiting, you probably know that the Troup County senior stands a good chance of finishing as his class’s valedictorian. If that happens, Mark Richt promised that he’d be there to hear Burnette’s graduation speech.
The AJC reports that an NCAA rule will prevent Richt from following through on that promise. Here we have a student-athlete who has already signed a letter of intent, and Mark Richt can’t be there to honor his future player’s academic accomplishment. If Richt were invited to speak at the football team’s banquet and honor athletic accomplishments, that would be fine – it’s done all the time, and it’s within the rules. So what is different about showing up at the graduation of a student-athlete for whom the recruiting process is over?
It’s doubtful that the rule will change or be waived, and both parties are resigned to the change in plans. Richt still plans to watch a recorded version of the speech if Burnette graduates on top. As a bright guy Burnette understands the world we live in, but that doesn’t make the outcome any less absurd.
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thomas johnson
February 17th, 2009
4:27 pm
Too bad a college coach can’t cheer on one of this players at high school graduation. Isn’t that the point of the whole thing?
Ally
February 19th, 2009
12:38 pm
“If Richt were invited to speak at the football team’s banquet and honor athletic accomplishments, that would be fine… So what is different about showing up at the graduation of a student-athlete for whom the recruiting process is over?”
Great post Groo and an excellent point. I don’t get it and its such a shame.
Btw, so glad you’re on twitter. I hope you keep it up. Would you consider sending out a tweet when you add a new post to your blog? Not sure if you know a/b this yet, but there are actually services that send out a tweet for you (like a feeder) every time you update your blog. WordTwit is one that I know of. Here’s the link in case you’re interested:
http://www.bravenewcode.com/wordtwit/
Groo
February 20th, 2009
1:38 pm
Thanks so much. I’ve got all the Twitter glue but just haven’t opened the hood and connected it yet. Actually had that account for about a year now and just let it sit.