The University of Maryland is investigating potential NCAA violations connected to Lance Stephenson’s official visit to campus last month.
The Washington Post on Sunday reported that Maryland may have violated NCAA rules by allowing Stephenson, the 6-foot-5 star out of Brooklyn Lincoln, and his family to take a tour of the Under Armour facilities in Baltimore. Under Armour is owned and run by Kevin Plank, a former Maryland football player and member of the school’s Board of Trustees. (Plank is pictured at center, courtesy the AP).
The story also reported that Byron Mouton, a former Maryland basketball player, spoke to Stephenson and encouraged him to come to the program, a potential violation of NCAA recruiting practices.
The University issued the following statement on its Website.
“The coaches and staff of Maryland Athletics are diligent in regards to following NCAA rules and regulations. We have worked for many years with numerous corporate partners and sponsors, including Under Armour, to provide them with comprehensive rules education support. Our business relationship with Under Armour, as the department’s exclusive apparel provider, is a relationship common throughout collegiate athletics.
“Per the University’s normal compliance review policy, which includes University legal counsel and faculty athletic representative participation, allegations of improprieties are reviewed whenever anything is brought to our attention. The review related to Byron Mouton’s recent, public comments in the Washington Post, regarding conversation with a recruit during his visit to campus, is in process. The contact was reported to the Atlantic Coast Conference, per standard procedure. If this situation did occur as described in the Post story of March 1st, it would most likely be a minor violation, per NCAA rules, not likely impacting the eligibility and/or recruitment of the recruit.
“As the campus review process for both of these situations is ongoing, there can be no further comment from Maryland Athletics in order to best ensure the integrity of the process.”
Stephenson is considering Maryland, Kansas and St. John’s and says he could announce March 21 after the PSAL championship game at Madison Square Garden.
