Is it illegal for college athletes to accept money?

Question

I know it is against NCAA rules, but I want to know if it is an actual crime. Can anybody give me a good reference?

Thanks for the answers, guys. I think some of you missed the point. I don't care what USC does. I was wondering if it was illegal in the eyes of the United States. Though the perjury aspect of it does sound like it will make things more interesting. Let's see what Mr. Bush has to say...

I think Reggie is overrated anyway. He's another college star that thinks he can just walze into the NFL and be an MVP (see Matt Leinart).

With so many answers, I'll everyone else decide which one is the best...

Answer 1

No, you can't be thrown in jail for it, it is just unethical. Ethics are a class that they don't teach at USC.

Answer 2

No, but doing so has cost some great teams to lose their stars. Sorry Stonewall, but I gotta use the Sooners losing players, including their QB, for violating the NCAA rules by accepting money for work not perfomed. "BIG RED" Sports & Imports in Norman had several OU players listed on their payroll, that were paid for work not performed. Bad for theUniversity, the car lot and worse for the future of the atheletes involved.

Sorry, don't believe paying a NCAA athelete for their performance is a State or Federal crime, just unscrupulous and unethical.

Answer 3

It can be a crime. Just look at U of Michigan baseketball in the early 90s. Some booster paid those guys millions. He was involved in gambling so yeah it was illegal and cost the school millions because they had to repay a lot of money.

The Fab Five, or at least Webber, has a hand in that, too. An indictment unsealed in federal court in Detroit last week charges a former Michigan booster with running an illegal gambling operation and money laundering. It claims he handed Webber $280,000 in illicit loans while Webber was in high school and college, with another $336,000 allegedly going to three other former players not part of the Fab Five.

Answer 4

It's not an actual crime to take the money, but if you lie about it (research Chris Webber) then you've comitted perjury. The bottom line is that you don't know what repercussions you may face down the line, don't risk your college career or future career for a few $'s, your character is worth more.

Answer 5

Yes it is illegal to accept money. The NCAA Committee have strict rules and they don't play. They will strip any award or trophy to make a point. Plus the most important reason is that the men are Student-Athletes and thats what matters most to them.

Answer 6

It's ok for them to accept $ from McDonald's while they're flipping burgers. But it's against NCAA rules to accept $ from schools, boosters, etc. I don't believe that you can be charged with a criminal offense, but you can sure be punished by the NCAA.

Answer 7

If they accept money i dont think they are eiligble any more because professionals get the money and are not in school but im not completely sure im almost positive it is not a crime punishable by law

Answer 8

not a crime but against NCAA rules concerning student athletes

Answer 9

Is this an assumption or do you have facts to support this? Or is this a way of stating a rhetorical question? When you ask a question like this you need to support the views with a subject or document you question as to not just sound racist.

Answer 10

yes, reggie bush supposedly accepted a house for a lesser payment each month i think every college does it but they dont get caught

Answer 11

Well we would need more details then that. I mean it COULD be a bribe, and that would be illegal. On the other hand they could work more hours then allowed and get paid for that and that could break By-Laws, but would still be legal.