Was NCAA Correct in Denying Jersey Tribute to Fallen Teammate? - jmik58's Blog

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Was NCAA Correct in Denying Jersey Tribute to Fallen Teammate? Stuck

Posted on January 22, 2013 at 02:29 PM.

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Do some NCAA bylaws go beyond protecting collegiate sports by contradicting the mission of the NCAA?

The Iowa basketball team isn't protesting or crying foul. They found other ways to remember the 20th anniversary of the death of Hawkeyes basketball player Chris Street.

But a request to do a little more to honor the former star was shot down by the NCAA. Head coach, Fran McCaffery, had sought out the possibility that the squad could have a nameplate that read "STREET" sewn onto the back of their uniforms where the current players' last names are. The NCAA promptly shot down that request.

Undeterred, the Hawkeyes decided to place a Chris Street jersey over the chair on the end of the bench to honor the former star's memory. Call it divine intervention, solid play, or an emotional boost -- but Iowa pulled off the minor upset, taking down the Wisconsin Badgers 70-66.

In a recent speech, NCAA president Mark Emmert stated, "...let�s make sure our bylaws are designed to foster competition, promote values and advance the collegiate model."

While Emmert likely wasn't referring to the little things -- think bigger issues in Happy Valley and in the world of recruiting -- but it's hard to believe a more streamlined approach isn't available for exceptions to situations similar to that of Iowa trying to honor a fallen player. I find it hard to believe that a one-game name change would hinder competition, dissuade positive values, and stop the advancement of the collegiate model. The attempted gesture by Iowa was as pure and amateur as it gets.

Sound Off: Do you agree with the NCAA's decision?

Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. Give him hell in the comments or on Twitter: @long_snapper

Comments

# 1 rockchisler @ Jan 22

Ncaa is a bunch of out old touch men who are resistant to any type of change unless there is a Whole lotta fighting inbetween.

# 2 speels @ Jan 22

If Iowa would have said that they would have the team sign the jerseys and then auction them off with all proceeds going to the NCAA it probably would have been approved!!

# 3 TDenverFan @ Jan 22

I thin it should have been allowed... I don't see anything wrong with this!

# 4 footballfan4life @ Jan 22

Iowa wanted to honor a former player who is no longer with us, and they should have been allowed.

# 5 McNutted @ Jan 22

Another reason the NCAA is a faulty unit.....

# 6 HighCmpPct @ Jan 22

This is just sad man just sad. This is what happens when you give a group of people to much control, honestly I don't even think this is something that should have to go through the NCAA at all. I mean it's a small patch to honor a fallen comrade, not something to make money off of which lets face it is all any of the NCAA governing bodies are interested in.