BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama is being allowed to help athletes left homeless by a massive tornado under what’s commonly called the NCAA’s “Katrina waiver.”
Alabama compliance director Mike Ward said the NCAA granted Alabama status to provide impacted athletes with benefits not normally allowed, though it hasn’t yet received an official waiver.
Athletic department spokesman Doug Walker told The Birmingham News in a story Sunday that a couple of dozen Crimson Tide athletes lost their Tuscaloosa homes. He said most are being helped by friends or have headed home since final exams were canceled.
“But obviously we have a long-term issue,” Walker said. “We’re working toward a long-term solution within the guidelines. The NCAA has been helpful and the SEC has been very helpful.”
By Thursday morning, the Southeastern Conference was talking with the NCAA about the previous day’s tornado, which caused at least 39 deaths within Tuscaloosa’s police jurisdiction.
Alabama received flexibility to help impacted athletes.
“Similar to the catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina, we have been able to do this without a waiver,” NCAA spokeswoman Stacey Osburn said. “We will remain in contact with the school and conference as they continue to assess any potential long-term needs.”
Some athletes who lost homes or electricity are staying with coaches. They can receive clothes and food and plane tickets.
The SEC allowed Alabama’s baseball team to take more than 27 players to the weekend series at Mississippi State, though the extra players couldn’t participate.
Alabama’s share of the NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund is about $250,000. SEC Associate Commissioner Greg Sankey said basic needs can include replacing laptop computers, printers and textbooks.
Ward emphasizes that it wasn’t just athletes impacted.
“These are real kids with real stories who have been through a tragedy like other people in the community,” Ward said.
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
Cordarrelle Patterson drafted by the…
Tennessee baseball media day with…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 26
tomatosoup writes:
First....Go Big Orange and I think the article was nice!
tomatosoup writes:
Oh yeah....as Charlie Sheen would say for me the first to post......WINNING, just like the Vols in 2011! Take that to the bank!
voloffaith writes:
Thanks Mr. Cambells! Leave it to Charlie to come up with the BRIGHT idea of flashlights....actually I'm pleasantly surprised he is out putting his money where his mouth is. Thanks Charlie for shedding light on this continuing opportunity to serve others.
On topic, the nc2A actually does some things in a timely manner don't they?
voloffaith writes:
Again Mr. Cambell's you're hmm good hmmm good at being consistent. Out of your 40 post in 7 or 8 you declared,"FIRST". Most all of the others you strutted out the cute "eat more tomatosoup!" So kudos for consisitency(meaning ewe didn't necessarily use too much water or milk.)
thevoice writes:
I refuse to assign Mother Nature the actual responsibility of the tornado. It had to be Mike Hamilton's fault. Therefore, this man should be fired now.
MusicCityVol writes:
Our thoughts and prayers remain for the people in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, and all the areas impacted by these tornadoes.
All-Time Vols from the Volunteer State - Defense
http://checkerboardchatter.blogspot.c...
easleychuck writes:
Seems more than fair, just so sorry, that the need for this assistance had never occurred.
voloffaith writes:
Sorry,but ewe kno all of these disasters are George W Bush's fault and will be til..........
Some still believe that and will take it to their grave/cremation with them.
civilianvol_formerly_marinevol writes:
I understand providing food, clothing, living space, etc. But, what's with taking extra players to a baseball game? Anyway, best wishes to all affected by these storms. It's going to be a long recovery for some of these towns that were totally devastated. Good luck.
CoverOrange writes:
As they say...act like you've been there before.
CoverOrange writes:
And plane tickets. Why plane tickets? I assume the extra baseball players had no place else to be if they had lost their home. Clothes, food, housing provided for humanitarian considerations, sure. But plane tickets?
OwensboroVol writes:
So the NCAA can move faster than a snail when properly motivated! I don't have much respect for the NCAA at this time, but helping these kids is a great first step in rebuilding a antiquated organization that requires much change if it is to survive.
kyvol98 writes:
I think it is fair, under the circumstances, however, the NCAA may change their mind and slap Cleveland State with 2 years probation for this.
bigorange61 writes:
Or maybe put it on Pearl's tab? :o)
VOLliven2it writes:
All jokes aside, it is good to see the NCAA do the right thing. This was utterly unbelievable and disheartening beyond description. I live within a few miles of a N. GA community which was devastated and believe me, the place will never be the same. I understand that Uof Alabama was pummeled. Thanks NCAA for doing the right thing and not waiting a year to act.
ROCKYTOPBRAD writes:
hey thats charlie sheen in the photo!!!
ROCKYTOPBRAD writes:
sheen had trouble finding a store outher than co-op or tractor supply in bama.
crimsonviper writes:
Many good comments...Thanks to you all...GBO!
voloffaith writes:
Sheen had outher things to do but for once(recently) he made a good choice and should be applauded for it......he's weening Pedro
voloffaith writes:
OOPS eye meant to correct the error of outher to OTHER....sawry ya'll
Huttdawg100 writes:
I hope everyone is ok. GBO!
dvols writes:
now they got permission for the extra benefits....they never got permission before???
by the way, talking about football, not the tragedy...
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
I've had a front seat view of what the F-4 tornado that hit South Cleveland has done... it's more than fair to offer help to the athletes that lost their homes. My only request is that they use extra resources to help the others affected, not just the athletes. It's hard to truly understand the devastation of a tornado until you know what a place looked like a few hours before the tornado hit.
OTPVol writes:
Charlie Sheen just raised himself immeasureably in my eyes. God bless everyone affected by the tornadoes.
bamaman1 writes:
Arrogant comment from a fan whose athletic program is about to be blasted by the NCAA
bamaman1 writes:
liars and cheaters
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.