Prospect Interviews vs NCAA Regulations

[T-Bone]

The Tarik Black thread made me curious about this topic. 

The thread contained a link to a YouTube video of MemphisRoad.com interviewing a prospect.  In particular:
http://memphisroar.com/2009/07/memphisroars-megan-interview-tarik-black-2010/

Black has not committed anywhere and is still considered a prospect by NCAA rules.  The interviewer does reference that and omits any mention of Memphis (aside from the MemphisRoar.com website).  They do this with just about all of their high level recruits. 

So, can this be considered as a violation of NCAA rules?  I can't think of any interviews we (CS, JS, etc.) have had with any recruit that hasn't signed a National Letter of Intent. 

MemphisRoar states (http://memphisroar.com/about/) states:
"MemphisRoar's goal is to help promote and support the University of Memphis and its athletic endeavors by increasing coverage and educating fans on the latest news relevant to any and all things Memphis."

Which would make them a booster per: "You are a member of any organization that promotes (insert University Name)'s athletics program."

The NCAA provision regarding boosters describes what boosters cannot do:
"Contact prospects or their families in any way (in person, by phone, or in writing).  This includes e-mail, message boards, or any messenger service."

Just wondering...

[rocky_warrior]

If they have media credentials as determined by the University of Memphis, then they can interview an un-committed recruit.  The guys at Scout do it occasionally (interview a prospect) - it's not a booster problem.

We (MUScoop) have thought about trying to get media credentials, but haven't because:
1) We're not journalists
2) We would actually have to be more careful about the juicy rumors we allow around here.  That's kinda' the reason the guys at Scout are so protective, and dismissive of rumors.  They have to play nice with MU at all times.  We don't.

[T-Bone]

Scout is a publishing company owned by Fox Interactive, and are covering everyone.
"Memphis Roar is a collection of Memphis fans..."  They're not quite on the same page.  And it doesn't seem that Memphis would view them as being a media outlet, "Memphis Roar is an unofficial source of news and information and is not associated with the University of Memphis in any fashion." (both quotes taken from their website)

I do see your point and how MemphisRoar could loop around that regulation as media outlet, but it seems a stretch.

Thanks for the response (and glad MUScoop is as it is).

[rocky_warrior]

Eh, but they display prominently an "ESPN Affiliate" badge, and they seem to be part of the "College Sports Network - An ESPN Affiliate", so I'm guessing they get media credentials.

[T-Bone]

Completely missed that logo.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/31/espn-college-sites-forming-partnerships/
Ugh.  A bit of confusing mess, but still seems questionable (IMO).  

Thanks again.