The NCAA has enacted a ban on the sending of text messages to recruits. That means that coaches can no longer barrage recruits with messages like "We could use u at WR" or "Come 2 Gainesville 4 a shot at glory." (For the record, those were totally made up.)But when I read the news, I breathed a sigh of relief. A victory for sanity, finally.
Recruiting is a two-side coin, of course. The coach brings in an athlete that will help (he hopes) the program succeed, but the recruit gets in return the opportunity to play in the spotlight.
Heck, what is college these days except a training ground for the pros? When an athlete is ready for the big time, he's gone.
The college education that "student"-athletes are receiving has already been ruined for most athletes by the allure of big bonuses and greater recognition at the professional level. But the intensity with which Division I programs are now recruiting takes the problem to a whole new level.
Most student-athletes say they don't mind, and why would they? It must be nice to get dozens of reminders about how great you are on daily basis. But fortunately, this ban isn't about what the students want. It's about what's best for them.
I'm hoping -- and it's wishful thinking, probably -- that high school students will take this opportunity to leave their phones in their pockets and keep their heads in the classroom.
The ban doesn't begin until August, though, coaches. So in the meantime, let your fingers do the talking.
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