Say what now?
Alabama appears to have opened and shut a potential NCAA violations case without reaching out to either the SEC or the NCAA, all while successfully keeping the event out of the headlines.
According to ESPN’s Joe Schad, Alabama’s compliance department sent a cease-and-desist letter to the owner of a Tuscaloosa men’s clothing store asking that he not use the likeness of any college athletes.
Including, apparently, Tide running back Trent Richardson, among other Tide players.
Alabama’s compliance department reportedly looked into the relationship of the “T-Town” store owner and Richardson, and concluded that there were no benefits or discounts exchanged between the two, or any other athletes for that matter. Compliance officials investigated autographs hanging in the store (although no mention is made as to who the autographs are from) and are currently monitoring the situation.
Under NCAA rules, student-athletes are not allowed to be featured in any commercial advertising.