The NCAA eligibility of Texas A&M freshman Ryan Trahan, a member of the university's cross country team, is in question after it was discovered he promotes his own business, which he founded in high school, on YouTube. According to a video he posted Wednesday, he must stop posting videos online referring to his business or the fact that he runs for A&M. He can continue running his business as long as he does so without the use of his "athletics reputation or ability."
Using his image to promote his business is against the rules of the NCAA, but I feel for the kid. Trahan is 17 years old and showing some genuine entrepreneurial spirit. Many people refer to the NCAA as broken, and this case provides more support for that sentiment. It's one thing when the NCAA comes down on players selling autographed memorabilia (in fact, some believe NCAA players should have the right to do this). But it is quite another when this young man is attempting to further his business by establishing some credibility as the owner. The business is a water bottle company so there are marketing ties to the running community.
What does Letsrun think?