Earlier today, the NFLPA announced that 20 draft-eligible players (and guests) have been invited to New York City to attend dinners around the NFL draft, which begins April 28.
Shortly after that announcement, the NFL forwarded a letter from the NCAA that reminds/warns players attending such events about the possibility of placing their friends’ and/or ex-teammates’ eligibility in jeopardy if they attend the events AND do not pay for the trip themselves.
In the letter from NCAA director of player security services Dena Garner, it was, the Associated Press writes, emphasized that players not eligible for this year’s draft can’t receive benefits or services such as travel, lodging, meals or entertainment if they attend such parties. The letter went on to urge current players to “ensure they are aware not to take any benefits or services from the league, corporate sponsors, an agent or a friend or a former teammate in connection with the parties or similar events.”
Accepting any of the aforementioned benefits would be considered an NCAA violation and could result in suspensions or, in a worst-case scenario, the player being stripped of his remaining eligibility.
“Please do not jeopardize the NCAA eligibility of your friends or former teammates,” Garner stressed in bold letters in the missive.
After what went down with the North Carolina football program over the summer last year, we’re guessing that the reminder will be greatly appreciated by many an athletic department.