NCAA investigating Tennessee recruiting practices, use of ‘hostesses’

The NCAA is conducting a wide-ranging investigation into Tennessee’s football recruiting practices, according to several prep prospects, their family members and high-school administrators, the New York Times reports today. A significant part of the investigation is focused on the use of recruiting hostesses who have become folk heroes on Tennessee Internet message boards for their ability to help lure top recruits. The newspaper says NCAA officials have visited four prospects and are scheduled to visit two others this week in an investigation covering at least three states. Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton confirmed that an investigation was under way but declined to elaborate. Since Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin took over in December 2008 after being fired as the Oakland Raiders’ coach, the Volunteers have committed at least six secondary NCAA violations—unintentional violations that provide minimal recruiting or competitive advantage. To read the New York Times story, click here.