Expert: Thom Brooks - 9/7/2008

Question
Thom,
Thanks for your speedy respond to my question yesterday regarding my son's supposedly "Full Scholarship", that wasn't really full at all.  As far as seeking legal counseling, I'm not really concern with the university not following through with their offer of a full scholarship, its more of a concern about their tactics to get athletes to committed to play for the university based on promises they have no intention of fulfilling and then to offer them a solution to their dilemma which is to apply for a loan to finance their college enrollment. As I previously mentioned, had I known the first week of school that there was no full scholarship I could've had my son enrolled in the Jr. College. before that weekends game.  I have another question in Regards to my sons eligibility for this year. Can the Jr. College that he was able to enroll in after the fiasco with the 4-year university petition to have my son's eligibility be reinstated and if so what are the chances.
Thank you again for all of your "Expert" information and I do plan to report this to the NCAA
**note**
My son met with the Head Coach of the university before he withdrew from the university and the Head Coach told him that since my he was going to enroll at a Jr. College he didn't need to be released from the team.  Is this true?

Answer
Reginald, hello again!

The NCAA will review any possible violation by the 4 year school.  They will hear your appeal to reinstate any lost time.  The JUCO may need to get a Release signed by the 4 year school if he was an official member of the team.  If you suspect the integrity of anyone at the 4 year school, I would suggest not taking their word for anything, even in writing.  The NCAA will give you the official answers.  Ones that count.


Have a Day!!

Thom Brooks