This is just another unbelievable example of how the NCAA’s ridiculous rules are holding athletes back in many ways. Although I believe student-athletes should be paid, I understand some of the many reasons they are not. For example, how do you decide what the paying rate is for college basketball versus college football? What are starters paid versus bench or role players? Then, how will you stop players from wanting to transferring from smaller school to bigger one in hopes of a bigger payday? Too many reason why college athletes aren’t paid but there is one rule that is keeping Marcus Lattimore from landing a paid non-coaching job with South Carolina.
Marcus Lattimore college career was cut short after 3 years due to a significant knee injury. Despite the injury, Lattimore was drafted in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL draft by the San Fransisco 49ers. Since then, Lattimore has returned to South Carolina and is set to graduate in May. Lattimore has accepted an ambassador position with the Gamecocks but it won’t be a paid gig due to NCAA rules.
According to Yahoo.com, Lattimore would give South Carolina an “unfair recruiting advantage.”
“The NCAA has stated that Lattimore cannot join Will Muschamp’s staff at USC due to Lattimore’s status as a former player and his presence through football camps and foundation. The NCAA considers it an unfair recruiting advantage.”
Pretty much if Lattimore was a bum then the NCAA wouldn’t have an issue with him being a paid ambassador. Because he ran for 2,677 yards and 38 touchdowns, Lattimore will have to find a coaching position in order to be paid by South Carolina.
Former coach Steve Spurrier spoke on this in 2014.
“If he wants to come back and work for the University of South Carolina, certainly the president, athletic director or myself, whatever we can find job-wise for him here, we would certainly do that. I’m sure between the three of us, we’ll find something for him to help out here with the athletic program, not only football but all athletes.”
With Spurrier no longer with the Gamecocks, it will be interesting to see how things unfold with Lattimore, the University and the weird NCAA rule.