NCAA To Take Stand on "Verbals"

[ssarge]

My point is that it is great when it works for the students, but I think people just place too much value on a verbal and consider it the end of the process when in fact, it is not.

I can agree with that.

I also probably agree that the 99% number - or whatever it is - will go down as the practice becomes increasingly prevalent. Certainly, it is not without risk for the kid, but then neither is waiting to sign later. These are choices, and just like the girl who turned off her phone, people make choices. On balance, I continue to believe the OPPOSTUNITY to make a choice is good.

It is also true that the better Club programs have enormous influence on their players, and are very wary of recommending (to players) colleges / coaches who have previously reneged on verbals. It does happen - often when someone gets in a bind for a pitcher because of an injury / transfer. But there IS a future cost for the coach.

Regards,

Scott

[Missinit]

My concern would be what would be the parameters that change a conversation between an athlete and a coach to a verbal? Seems to me a misinterpreted conversation could do a lot of damage to an athletes scholarship hopes.

Also wonder how this will effect showcases regarding 16's playing in them or if there will be no effect.

[CheckWriter]

http://www.spysoftball.com/7-9-10-proposed-ncaa-ban-on-early-verbals

Apparently has made it to the Washington Post

[Sam]

Coaches are pressuring 14 and 15 year olds to make a decision about where they will go to school. They can't even drive legally.

The NCAA should get serious about this and bar all contact until July 1 after the player's Junior season.

You should speak to some of these players who did commit early, wooed by a coach's promises, and committed to a program that summarily ignores them. Sure, the player benefits from the scholarship if the coach honors it...but these kids love to play....many of them don't get the opportunity to play after they enroll at "the school they chose to attend."