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Facebook Group for High School Athlete Draws NCAA's Ire

by Warren Riddle on April 14, 2009 at 11:29 AM

For the newest edition in our ever-expanding coverage of Facebook getting its users into trouble, we bring you the story of Taylor Moseley, a first year student at North Carolina State University. Ever the enthusiastic basketball fan, Moseley recently created a Facebook group titled "John Wall PLEASE Come to NC State" as an homage to the nation's top-ranked high school basketball player. The stodgy NCAA, the governing body of U.S. collegiate athletics (not known for being particularly progressive), considered the fan site to be an "intrusion" into the high school student's life, and, therefore, a recruiting violation.

Facing possible NCAA sanctions, N.C. State subsequently demanded the Facebook group be dismantled. The university also issued Moseley a cease-and-desist letter threatening possible disciplinary actions, such as being denied tickets to future sporting events, or even being completely "disassociated" from the athletic program. He has since changed the name of the group to "Bring a National Title Back to NC STATE." Take that, NCAA.

N.C. State's NCAA compliance officer, Michelle Lee, sent Moseley the cease and desist letter, but she admits that she sees little merit in the NCAA's strict stance against Facebook groups aimed toward high school athletes. Speaking to AP reporter Justin Pope, she said, "I think nationally the NCAA needs to address further Facebook and how these groups play a part in recruiting." She wondered aloud, "What harm is a group like this causing?"

We found ourselves thinking the same thing. It seems ridiculous for the NCAA to monitor the online desires and whims of sports fans, especially since no money is changing hands. What would the NCAA have done if the group had been created by a rival fan in order to get N.C. State in trouble? Would the NCAA have even been able to tell the difference?

One would think that the NCAA currently faces more pressing matters, such as implementing an Obama-endorsed college football playoff system, or investigating allegations of corruption at high-profile universities. As long as the NCAA is getting its cut from lucrative television contracts, bowl game sponsorships, and collegiate licensing, we don't foresee it actively adapting to technological advancements. In fact, we doubt the NCAA particularly cares. [From: Newsvine.com]

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Tags: college basketball, CollegeBasketball, facebook, ncaa, ncaa rules, NcaaRules, social networking, SocialNetworking, sports

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