TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - It seems every year, an issue of NCAA eligibility is at the forefront of college athletics discussion on the national scene. This year, the issue is all the more amplified with the student athlete in question being reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.
In an effort to curb even unintended NCAA violations, Florida State Compliance has put together a list of five rules fans should know in dealing with student athletes.
1) Never provide free or discounted items or services to FSU student-athletes or recruits, unless such benefits are available to the public or FSU students. Examples include: transportation, loans, use of a credit card, gifts, meals/drinks, lodging, clothing, use of unadvertised discounts, etc.
2) Never have recruiting conversations with recruits or their families. This includes in-person contact on- or off-campus, by telephone, or in writing (e.g. email, Twitter, Facebook, message boards).
3) Never use a student-athlete's name, picture, or appearance in a commercial advertisement, business promotion, or product endorsement.
4) Do not purchase game tickets, apparel, equipment, or awards from student-athletes; and do not sell items that have been autographed by a current FSU student-athlete.
5) A FSU Booster may not provide recruits or their team with funds for practice/competition expenses; however, you may donate to a local high school provided the funds are not given to a specific recruit.
