X

MCBB

    Dean Smith Willed $200 to Each of His Former Players to 'Enjoy a Dinner Out'

    Kyle Newport@@KyleNewportX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistMarch 26, 2015

    via @ChestPassDemps

    As one final thank you to those who played under him, legendary North Carolina coach Dean Smith—who passed away in February—has willed each of his former players $200.

    With that money, Smith wants his former players to "enjoy a dinner out compliments of Coach Dean Smith." 

    What a cool move by a classy individual.

    ESPN's Darren Rovell was able to put an estimate on Smith's kind gesture:




    UPDATE: Saturday, March 28, at 9:45 p.m. ET

    According to Inside the NCAA,  the gift from Smith is not an NCAA violation.

    Darren Rovell @darrenrovell

    $36,000: Approximate amount of money gifted by Dean Smith by giving $200 to each letterman who played for him in his will

    ---End of Update---


    UPDATE: Saturday, March 28, at 12:45 p.m. ET

    Apparently, Smith's wish to give each of his former players a check might violate NCAA rules.

    Marc Edelman of Forbes provides the details:

    Indeed, unless overturned by antitrust laws, the NCAA’s current interpretation of its own bylaws prevents college athletes from accepting remuneration in any form based on their status as athletes. According to a recent NCAA statement, this rule purportedly includes preventing athletes from accepting even money offered after athletes graduate based on services they provided while in college.

    Critics of the NCAA just got a little more firepower.

    ---End of Update---

    [Twitter]