INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA has granted a waiver for the University of Oklahoma to set up a fund to assist with funeral expenses of football recruit Herman Mitchell, who was slain last week in his hometown of Houston.

Funds raised by an OU booster can be transferred to the university to help pay for funeral expenses under the conditions of the waiver, which was received and granted today by NCAA membership services staff.

“This is a tragic circumstance, and we are glad we were able to work quickly with OU to assist this family in their time of need,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice-president for membership services.

Mitchell’s younger brother is a high school football player and a potential recruit, which required the university to seek a waiver of bylaws that in general prohibit university boosters from providing preferential treatment to prospective student-athletes and their families.

Lennon pointed out that those bylaws cannot take into account the unique circumstances of every situation. The NCAA carefully considers the best interests of everyone involved with each waiver request, he said.

“This is a case where our waiver process worked exactly as it is intended—to collaborate with a member institution to address an individual situation,” Lennon said.

The waiver sets the following conditions:

• The University of Oklahoma will take control of fundraising, including taking control of funds already donated to the booster.
• OU can use the funds to directly cover the cost of the funeral and memorial services. Donations cannot be received after September 14. Funds cannot be disbursed directly to the family.
• Any excess funds will be donated to a Houston-area non-profit organization to be determined by the university.