With the decision made public Monday to allow Clemson University and its football fans to help freshman cornerback Ray Ray McElrathbey care for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr, the NCAA has given credence to the rumor that actual human beings work within its monolithic, bureaucratic structure.
Clemson Sports Information
The NCAA will allow Clemson to help Ray Ray McElrathbey and his brother Fahmarr.McElrathbey has temporary custody of his younger brother while their mother battles drug addiction. He appealed to the NCAA for help because student-athletes are not permitted to receive help -- even in the form of a ride to school for a little brother -- that isn't available to other students.
Kevin Lennon is the NCAA's vice president for membership services, which is bureaucratese for the guy who oversees pleas for relief from the NCAA manual. I didn't ask him Tuesday if heads will roll for reaching out to Ray Ray. But I did ask him if he shared the concern that I voiced in the question above.
Responding in mock horror, Lennon said, "They'll start to think we're a caring organization."
The decision is an extension of the policy NCAA president Myles Brand established shortly after he took office. When it comes down to deciding between the rule and the student-athlete, if at all possible, decide for the latter. Let common sense be your guide. This may not give solace to those who believe that USC wide receiver Mike Williams or Colorado wideout/kick returner Jeremy Bloom should have caught a break. Lennon said they are among the 1 percent who aren't waved through the rules roadblocks.
In the case of the McElrathbeys, by the time the NCAA became aware of their plight, Clemson and the Atlantic Coast Conference already had begun to put together the facts to present to the NCAA for relief.
The NCAA will allow basic assistance to the brothers in matters like local transportation and child care. For instance, Fahmarr goes to school with some of the coaches' children. He will be able to get rides to school. In addition, Clemson may establish and oversee a trust fund to cover the brothers' living expenses.
"This was a no-brainer," Lennon said. "These are the stories that we need to get out. We do it every day. If we can get that out, that's great."
Lennon didn't sound as if he was packing up his office. Maybe his job is safe after all.
