(NOTE: The University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff Department of Compliance will provide tips to help educate Golden Lion Nation on important rules that help govern athletics.)

Question: With the fall season underway, several radio stations have requested interviews with student-athletes to discuss the season and the impact that COVID-19 has had on college athletics.  

Is it permissible for student-athletes to participate in such media activities?

Answer: Yes with conditions. 

NCAA Bylaw 12.5.3 states that a student-athlete may participate in media activities, including but not limited to, radio, television and internet-based programs (e.g., coaches' shows), and writing projects when the student-athlete's appearance or participation is related in any way to his or her status as a student-athlete.  The student-athlete shall not receive any remuneration for participation in the activity. The student-athlete shall not make any endorsement, expressed or implied, of any commercial product or service. The student-athlete may, however, receive actual and necessary expenses directly related to the appearance or participation in the activity. A student-athlete participating in such media activities may not miss class, except for class time missed in conjunction with away-from-home competition or to participate in an NCAA or conference-sponsored media activity. (Revised: 1/16/93, 1/14/97, 1/9/06, 4/27/06, 1/20/17 effective 8/1/17)


ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!

* Disclaimer: The aforementioned scenario is not necessarily an actual event that has happened on this campus, and thus, must be seen purely as an example. The Compliance Tip is not a substitute for a compliance office, case specific research, or the NCAA Bylaws. 

#UAPBLionsAreComing