The NCAA is no stranger to criticism, and it’s getting it again from a high-profile source. Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander has a brother, Austin, who’s currently being recruited by colleges. Lorenzo criticized the NCAA for not letting him be an official part of his brother’s visit.
The NCAA strikes again. Can’t be flown out with my brother on his visit to help him make decision on his future because I’m not his parent or guardian. Might be smart to allow recruits to apply for exemptions because not every student-athletes situation is the same. pic.twitter.com/9DydvptvoF
— Lorenzo Alexander (@onemangang97) January 23, 2018
This is a situation where the rule makes some sense. Or, at least, it’s not something that’s going to generate a big argument too often, as a parent or guardian would almost always be the one accompanying the recruit.
With that said, there are exceptions, like with Alexander. The NCAA should have enough foresight to cover these exceptions in its rules. If nothing else, Alexander’s idea of a least letting recruits apply for exemptions makes plenty of sense.
But too often, the NCAA rules fail to cover common sense. This is one of those times.