Thursday, January 5, 2006

Sacrificial Gyro? Pete Carroll's Big Fat Greek Recruiting Methods

University of Southern California compliance officials are investigating allegations that its football team--losers of last night's Rose Bowl--have surreptitiously used the Papadakis Tavern in San Pedro, California as a recruiting tool under the guise of a school-informational forum. (Gary Klein, "USC Starts Recruit Inquiry," Los Angeles Times, 1/1/2006). The Greek restaurant is owned by John Papadakis, a former USC linebacker who is active in alumni and athletic affairs.

So what happens when USC recruits show up at the Papadakis Tavern? Allegedly, they are entertained by belly dancers, music, food (obviously), and, of course, the traditional breaking of the plates. Mr. Papadakis is also said to deliver "passionate" speeches about the USC football program, although in his defense, he claims that he entertains recruits of several Pac-10 schools, and he denies endorsing any of the schools. As a former USC player, Papadakis is considered a "representative of athletic interests" on behalf of USC, which, among other things, precludes him from recommending the school to its recruits.

Even assuming the "worst" of Papadakis, are we really to believe that former players of college football teams do not routinely champion their schools, or at least provide favorable advice? Just think: if you were a superstar high school football player deciding between top college programs, whom might you turn to for more information about those programs? I wonder . . . might you turn to former players on those teams? Oh the horror. I only wish the NCAA could prevent every high school senior admitted into college from speaking with graduates of that college, or every law school admittee from speaking with graduates of their accepted law schools. Heck, maybe we can prevent every former person of every organization from speaking with anyone who might enter their former organization. That would accomplish so much.

Really, is Mr. Papadakis such a bad guy? A former college football player who speaks favorably about his college team just doesn't strike me as someone out-of-the-ordinary. If he were buying Corvettes for recruits that would be another story, but provided USC pays for the meals and entertainment (and assuming those meals/entertainment adhere to other NCAA rules), I just don't see the outrage. I also don't see how the "representative of athletic interests" rule is enforceable in most settings--I know the government can wiretap phones, but I don't think the NCAA can.

0 comments:

Post a Comment