There are certain times when a football program has the ability to do the right thing but must jump through hoops to be able to do it. Boise State is currently looking to get a waiver from the NCAA in order to help out a recruit who is currently without a home.
Antoine Turner is a 21-year old football player that has been on the move for much of his life. Turner left New Orleans, where he moved around between different families following his mother’s death until the region was washed out by Hurricane Katrina. He then found himself involved in gang activity as a courier of sorts. Turner went on to attend a junior college in California where he lived with his girlfriend’s family before moving in with his uncle. Unfortunately for Turner, government housing regulations are going to force Turner to find another new home.
According to Boise State’s compliance office, no fans or outside parties are allowed to make any donations or lend any financial assistance to Turner, as doing so is a violation of NCAA rules. In a memo to KTVB, a local television station that aired a feature on Turner, the compliance office explained the situation;We need to make it clear to your viewers and Bronco fans that it is NOT permissible within NCAA rules for boosters of Boise State athletics to provide benefits to Mr. Turner. That would include money, loans, gifts, discounts, transportation costs, etc.
While Mr. Turner’s need is abundantly clear, it is not permissible for Boise State, the athletics department or supporters of the athletics department to assist Mr. Turner at this time. Once Mr. Turner arrives on campus for the start of the summer school program, he will be well taken care of--receiving full tuition, room and board, books, fees etc. In the meantime, the compliance office is exploring a potential waiver with the NCAA that would allow us to provide assistance prior to the start of summer school.
Boise State is working to do what the school can to help Turner, who says he is preparing to move to Boise and get started with summer courses. Here’s hoping the waiver works out and Turner’s dream can continue to come true.
Helmet sticker to Dr. Saturday.