How is this extra benefits?

[cjwilhelmi]

USC's Jarrett violated NCAA rules when he shared apartment with Leinart

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California's Dwayne Jarrett violated NCAA rules by not paying enough rent for the apartment he shared with Matt Leinart and was declared ineligible — though the All-America receiver might not miss any playing time.

Jarrett must apply for reinstatement with the NCAA before he can play this season and he might have to repay several thousand dollars to Leinart's father, who paid most of the rent on the apartment.

NCAA spokesman Bob Williams said Friday a case like this can be resolved in three ways: a student-athlete can be denied reinstatement; regain eligibility with no conditions attached; or be required to miss games and/or pay back the extra benefit.

I really dont understand how this is a problem. Its his roommate's (Leinart) dad who is paying the majority of the rent. Both of the players are paying the exact same. Its not like its a booster or donor who is helping out.

[KnoxVegas]

USC's Jarrett violated NCAA rules when he shared apartment with Leinart

— though the All-America receiver

I will let that stand on its own.

This is a violation because Leinart and Jarrett each paid $650 a month, with Leinart's father paying $2,566 - the difference of the monthly payment.

From Compliance 101 on www.aggieathletics.com:

"The "extra-benefit" rules for student-athletes and their relatives state that you may not:

• Give them cash or loans in any amount;
• Sign or co-sign a note for a student-athlete or his/her relative with an outside agency to
arrange a loan;
• Give them gifts of any kind (e.g., birthday, Christmas, Valentines Day) or free services
(e.g., laundry, restaurant meals, etc.);
• Allow them to use your telephone to make free long distance calls;
• Provide them with use of an automobile;
• Provide free or reduced housing or rent;
• Provide tickets to an athletic, institutional or community event; or
• Provide promise of financial aid for post-graduate education."

http://www.aggieathletics.com/nonsports/COMP/pdf/20041027_052041__Compliance%20101%20-%20session%2011%20extra%20benefits.pdf

Clearly this is what happened. Jarret will apply or reinstatement and he will be made eligible for the upcoming season. What saved him is that USC went to the NCAA, rather than the NCAA coming to USC.