BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The NCAA invites criticism. But when handling catastrophes, the NCAA gets it.
Within 15 hours of a tornado devastating Tuscaloosa last Wednesday, the NCAA had granted Alabama status to provide athletes with extra benefits normally not allowed, Alabama compliance director Mike Ward said.
About a couple dozen Crimson Tide athletes are homeless, said athletics department spokesman Doug Walker. No shelter, no clothing, no vehicles -- their lives turned upside down like too many in this state on April 27.
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/05/ncaa_loosens_rules_for_crimson.html