The recent scandal at the University of Colorado — a former football player alleged she was raped by teammates, and several other women said they were raped at or following recruiting parties — could have implications for colleges nationwide. But because Colorado football coach Gary Barnett, currently on paid administrative leave after making controversial comments about the allegations, used to coach here, Northwestern already has been placed under the microscope.
At NU and elsewhere, recruiting practices — especially those that happen after-hours — frequently aren’t discussed openly. But the administration still has a responsibility to keep a close eye on them and police themselves, both to avoid interference from the NCAA and, more importantly, to ensure the safety of students and recruits.
NU visits vary depending on the personalities and interests of the recruits. Sometimes partying and drinking is involved; sometimes it is not. In this way recruits are not unlike other prospective students who spend a night at NU.
According to athletic director Mark Murphy, athlete hosts are not allowed to provide recruits with alcohol or force them to drink.
We aren’t sure how strictly these rules are enforced or what the consequences are of breaking them — and that’s a problem. Students are given a great deal of freedom when they host prospies and recruits, but if there is no structure or consequences for irresponsible behavior, these visits are accidents waiting to happen. Recruiting at larger schools is probably more out of control than it is at NU. But Colorado’s current investigation illustrates what can happen when the activities go unchecked.
Recruiting is essential to maintaining top sports programs, and wooing prospective athletes with luxury is often a part of that process. Players have said it has happened at NU under both Gary Barnett and Randy Walker — but that doesn’t mean either coach invented it.
Recruitment visits should be fun while providing a realistic portrait of life at NU. But even if coaches are removed from the activities, they should not turn a blind eye. Rules and consequences should be made clear to hosts and recruits ahead of time — and backed up with enforcement. The administration would be wise to provide the same information to nonathlete prospective students and their hosts, as well. These experiences might have more in common than some realize.
Tragically, it took allegations of rape to shed light on these issues. NU should ensure its recruiting practices are safe and reasonable now, before problems as complicated as Colorado’s emerge.
