Will the Department of Justice Bring Back Satellite Camps?
Paul Myersburg of USA Today Sports is reporting that the Depart of Justice has began an informal inquiry into the topic of satellite camps. This is a huge bombshell for anti-satellite camps, and those that want to see other schools “kept out of their backyard.”
According to Myersburg and his sources, the DOJ is investigating whether or not the recent ban on satellite camps dwindles the amount of opportunities and access to schools for kids coming out of high school. If the Depart of Justice takes an increased interest in this matter, I have a feeling Jim Harbaugh will be liking his chances to come out victorious.
This is not good for the SEC on any levels, and the way the rule is written, it may have been a bit too far for the DOJ to overlook. Keep in mind, this new legislature not only bans satellite camps, but it also prevents the non-power 5 schools, Division II and Division III coaches from attending the camps held by these bigger schools.
The Department of Justice isn’t interested in protecting “recruiting territory” or anything else outside of protecting young athletes from being robbed of opportunities to advance themselves. This writing in the rule could be the detail that swings the case on the side of the DOJ.
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The SEC cannot be excited about these reports surfacing, and I fully believe that the Department of Justice will succeed in overturning the NCAA’s decision to disband satellite camps. But, could the threat of the DOJ getting involved prevent the vote from going into effect?
It is well known that the NCAA’s Division I Council voted and passed legislation to prevent these satellite camps from taking place. Now, the vote goes to the NCAA’s Board of Directors for possible ratification April 28th. This threat of the Department of Justice getting involved may very well be the DOJ trying to send a message to the NCAA do something different, or the DOJ will become involved. I’m not certain, but I’m roughly 97% sure the NCAA doesn’t want anybody from the DOJ snooping around their offices for information.
If the legislation does get ratified on Thursday, I’m not expecting this story to go away. How will this affect recruiting? How long is this fight worth fighting? Those are all great questions, and nobody is happier than Jim Harbaugh that people are asking them. As the story continues to garner national attention, expect the SEC to be made the villain, and the Big 10 be made into a heroes.