NCAA confirms Dean Smith's $200 gift is not a violation
The NCAA has clarified its position on the $200 gift that late North Carolina head coach Dean Smith left to former players in his will.
The legendary coach willed $200 to each of his former players, telling them to use the money for a dinner out. This received some scrutiny, as reports indicated that the gift could be considered an NCAA violation. Thankfully for all involved, that will not be the case.
Contrary to inaccurate media reports, Dean Smith’s generous gift to former student-athletes is NOT an NCAA violation.
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) March 29, 2015
This is obviously the right move by the NCAA and will save them from a litany of bad press should a potential violation have been pursued.
While the argument could be made that this creates a slippery slope to paying student-athletes once their college careers are over, that was clearly not Smith's intention. His kind gesture should be appreciated for what it was instead of viewed as a potential black mark against the program.