The SEC is proposing that the NCAA consider some major changes to recruiting rules, one of which in particular should make Mark Richt a happier man:
… The SEC endorses the return of text messaging. Currently, coaches cannot text with recruits (at all) but they can email them or send them a Facebook message. The current rules have already caused several coaches to self-report violations after accidentally texting a prospective student-athlete and some coaches privately gripe this is one of the rules they’d like to seen thrown out sooner rather than later. In talking with several administrators from other conferences, there should be plenty of support if the SEC puts forth a proposal to allow texting. The letter does note that while the conference’s position is to allow texts, there should be limits in order to not overwhelm prospective recruits.
Notice also the proposal to do away with the bump rule, or, more accurately, to do away with the media’s attempt to sensationalize violations of the bump rule. I kid you not:
… The bump rule, the letter states, “is a source for media reports questioning the integrity of involved coaches, create the expectation that high school coaches arrange incidental contact during an evaluation period, and place college coaches intent on following the rules at a distinct disadvantage.”
When Slive retires, the SEC presidents ought to do away with the middleman and make Nick Saban the next conference commissioner. It would cut down considerably on the e-mails and phone calls.