As most of you know, the NCAA banned coaches from text messaging recruits this year.  Well, today that decision was put up for appeal, but the NCAA denied the appeal.

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors on Thursday did not overturn a previous decision banning text messaging of recruits.

The NCAA did say they will consider future modifications of the total ban. The entire NCAA body will have an opportunity to vote on the issue at the NCAA Convention in January.But many coaches represented by American Football Coaches Association and college basketball assistants, who do the bulk of recruiting, believe the ban is detrimental because its one of the primary forms of communication among teenagers.

The board approved the rule in April after hearing two primary concerns: the sometimes high cost to recruits and the constant drumbeat of messages, which some called bordering on an invasion of privacy.

There was recent precedent for overturning the text messaging ban decision.

In January, NCAA members voted to rescind the graduate transfer rule, which allowed postgraduate students to transfer without having to sit out a full year.

In January 2006, the first time this appeals process went into effect, the schools also voted to allow an increase in women’s soccer scholarships.

But schools have rejected four other appeals in the past two years. It would have taken a simple majority of the 18-member board to overturn the texting ban.

There still is not unanimity, even among coaches, though.

Jim Haney, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, said Wednesday his group has remained neutral on the position because a coaching survey last fall showed almost a 50-50 split.

“We’ve not been active on this issue,” he said. “We’ve been sitting more on the sidelines, so to speak. I think the board of directors has options and other than that, I really don’t have any insights into it.”

In Charlie Weis’ first press conference of the 2007 season, he mentioned that, due to the ban, he was going through “texting withdrawl.”  He also feels the decision is a poor one.

Share This

• Good Luck, Reuland
• ESPN Says Charlie Weis Was ‘Offended’ by Roast Remarks
• People, Please Leave Charlie Alone