Benefit Rules
We'll see if this is covered:
"Q. Is it permissible for an athletic representative or any other individual to provide to a student-athlete or friend any benefit that is generally not available to the other students on campus?
A. No. The NCAA considers special arrangements to be an “extra benefit”, which are specifically prohibited. This restriction applies to all individuals other than family members or individual that the student-athlete received these benefits from prior to attending college, such as long-time friend or neighbor. Extra benefits include, but are not limited to:
The providing of cash or merchandise
The use of an automobile
The purchase of meals or services at commercial establishments
The use of personal properties (e.g., boats, summer homes, cars, stereos).
Providing holiday or birthday gifts
A special discount payment arrangement or credit on a purchase (airline ticket, clothing) or services.
A loan of money in any amount
A guarantee of bond
Transportation to or from a summer job
A benefit connected with off-campus housing (television sets or stereo equipment, special recreational facilities, furnishings or appointments of extra quality or quantity)
Signing or co-signing a note with an outside agency to arrange a loan.
Selling or giving a student-athlete tickets to an athletic, university or town event
Any benefit that is not generally available to the institution’s students or a particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. "
Arguably, this is posted on several school athletic sites, I copied this one from Arkansas-Little Rock. Bold/underlines are mine. Seems like enough to warrant a full investigation. We'll know in 1/2 hour...
