NCAA puts gag order on LSU over probe Officials looking at role of scout service in recruiting BATON ROUGE — For the second time in less than two years, the LSU football program is the subject of NCAA scrutiny. Just as the NCAA nears a final ruling on its investigation of rules violations by LSU concerning the recruitment, transportation and housing of 2009 signee Akiem Hicks and former assistant coach D.J. McCarthy's role in that, as well as improper recruiting phone calls at that time, LSU coach Les Miles' program is in the midst of another examination by college athletics' governing body. An NCAA official was on the LSU campus a week ago and interviewed unidentified members of the football coaching staff about LSU's relationship with Houston-based prospect scout/adviser Willie Lyles of Complete Scouting Services, according to an LSU release Thursday. LSU, which recruited Sea-strunk and has for years heavily recruited Houston and other areas in Texas, says it paid Lyles $6,000 last year for junior college recruiting information and film last December. Last February, LSU signed Trevon Randle, the No. 17 outside linebacker in the country, from Clear Springs High in League City, Texas. Lyles has had contacts with Clear Springs High and was seen with LSU assistant coach Brick Haley there in the spring of 2010. LSU has paid Lyles a total of $26,000 for his film and informational services since 2008. Since 2007, LSU has paid other various recruiting and film services $286,154.92. "I'm just concerned that the questions about this have continued to go on," LSU Board of Supervisors member Tony Falterman of Napoleonville said during a recess in Friday's board meeting. "I didn't think it was going to continue, and it's continuing. I guess that's part of the investigation, to make sure that the investigation is complete and they just don't go after one school. They go after everybody that used that particular person or organization. It's just a question in the back of your mind. Why is it continuing? I'm not saying there's anything there. Don't get me wrong. I don't know if there is anything substantive behind it or not, but it's a concern certainly." LSU is one of only two Southeastern Conference schools to not be found guilty of a major violation in the past 25 years. Vanderbilt, which has never been guilty of a major infraction, is the other. LSU's last major violation was in 1986 and involved recruiting. According to NCAA rules, though, a series of secondary violations over a short period of time can constitute a major violation. http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20110716/SPORTS/107160309
"In eight years of working in scouting and doing different things in scouting, you get a chance to see a lot and do a lot," Lyles said. "It's just one of those things where you see a lot of things that go on. And that's just something that I just don't want even to touch on at this point. That's about it. I haven't decided on what information I do want to talk about at this point as far as dealing with them (LSU). I don't want to say anything that would be out of line or out of turn as far as my dealings with LSU." Asked again if he escorted recruits to LSU, Lyles reversed his field. "I have. Well, yeah. Yes, I have. I actually went with Lache (Seastrunk). It was me, Lache and his mother (Evelyn) on that visit to a camp at LSU on campus." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2011-07-07-LSU-willie-lyles_n.htm
That's because you're reasonable and have considered all the facts, I would guess. Resident twerp seems to think Oregon committed genocide.
it's been established that Lyles escorted Seastrunk and other prospects to various schools for a while now. I've read so many articles I forget which said what, but I've read/heard (Whitlock interview) he accompanied LS to Auburn, LSU, USC, and maybe Cal... I think I'd read/heard that his mom was also on all of those trips. That Oregon wouldn't pay for her to come out on Lache's OV was reported at the time to have upset her. Some of those trips were completed by Lyles driving the prospect to the school. I doubt I'm the only one here who doesn't have a firm understanding of most of the rules regulating whats okay and not on official visits. Does anyone here have their head wrapped around that stuff? Specifically, it's above board for the school to pay for the travel and meal expenses for a prospect to visit right? So does the NCAA allow a school to pay for Lyles's gas if thats the mode of transport? What about meal expenses incurred during the drive... are receipts submitted and then the school compensates the expense? Is the prospect expected to sleep on the couch of an enrolled student athlete while anyone else accompanying them has to fend for themselves on their own dime or can the school pay for a local hotel room? Can the school to pick up the tab for more then just prospective student athlete's round trip flight? Little help? STOMP
I'm no expert...just a fan who tries to keep up on as many regulations as possible. That isn't always easy, as they change and I get older... Here's what I understand: Player is allowed up to five official visits. The school is allowed to pay for all lodging, transportation and meals. An athlete is allowed 48 hrs and no more than $50 a day for entertainment. Accommodations are a usually a paid for hotel. Players are also allowed unofficial visits but can only receive on campus housing (dorm/apt) and tickets to events. No expenses. As I've continued to share, the issue with Lyles is cloudy because by some guidelines he's considered a booster, by others, he's not. This would change how the school is able to handle expenses. I believe the expenses are limited to the recruit. I don't believe there is are any regulations against a school booking a suite and allowing family to stay (I think) but as far as food/transportation - no. Think of all the recruits you've seen/met at games. Rarely are they with anyone other than staff/players/other recruits (no fam). Hope this helps. Again, I'm fairly confident this is accurate, but it would be best to reference ncaa recruiting/visiting guidelines.
