INDIANAPOLIS---In response to the recent allegations involving recruiting practices at a few Division I institutions, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President Myles Brand announced the formation of a task force to immediately review NCAA recruiting rules and recommend possible new standards by late April.

"Given the information that is coming to light on some recruiting practices, I am taking immediate action to address the issue," Brand said. "Some of what has been alleged is morally reprehensible and has no place in college sports."

Brand said the task force, which will be chaired by David Berst, vice-president for Division I, will have recommendations addressing the issue ready for the Division I Management Council to consider at its April meeting.

"There are moments when an organization discovers that behavior has overwhelmed value-based policy. When that happens, the organization must be nimble enough to respond quickly and get back on the right path. This is one of those moments," Brand said.

The task force will be comprised of other individuals from the national office as well as athletics administrators from the membership. The task force's goal will be to thoroughly review current NCAA rules, and to develop any legislation needed to ensure that Association values are not compromised by individuals or institutions engaging in practices that discredit the integrity and mission of intercollegiate athletics.

Brand noted that Division I bylaws clearly state the mission and values of the Association, and as members, institutions should ensure that the principles of the collegiate model of athletics are paramount. As a key component of those principles, the behavior of student-athletes and institution representatives go to the very heart of the integrity of college sports.

The establishment of the members of the task force will happen immediately to guarantee the Division I Management Council can address the issue in its April meeting. The national office's Division I governance group will work in conjunction with the membership to help ensure the timeline is met.

The Recruiting Subcommittee of the Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet also is planning a discussion and thorough review of current recruiting practices that may be considered unacceptable to the membership as a whole as a part of its ongoing review of recruiting legislation. Should the subcommittee propose any changes, those proposals would go first to the Cabinet and then to the Division I Management Council for consideration.

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