ESPN Visits Can Lead To Later Visits From The NCAA

We've never actually been to Bristol, Conn., but we'll confess to being somewhat curious about a tour of the offices. Heck, apparently mascots and professional athletes hang out there all the time; that sounds fun! But careful, young basketball recruit; visiting Bristol can put your eligibility in question.

Maya Moore, the Connecticut women's hoops guard who had been heavily recruited by rival Tennessee, apparently received the Bristol tour on request of Huskies coach Geno Auriemma. After choosing Connecticut, Tennessee coach Pat Summitt complained, saying the tour was an unfair benefit. The NCAA may be looking into it.

Tennessee also happened to be courting Moore at the time, but lost the star recruit to the school up north(east). So the Lady Vols sent a complaint to the SEC, who then complained to the NCAA. UConn officials said they haven't received any notice of penalties, while the NCAA has refused comment. But the Worldwide Leader has responded by changing their tour request policies.

We find it difficult to blame either ESPN or UConn for this; those on-set visits to WBIR in Knoxville just don't have the same pizzazz as watching people apply makeup to Neil Everett. Hell, we'd sign a letter of intent for considerably less.

ESPN Tours Can Lead To NCAA Violations [Sports By Brooks]