Reno Gazette Journal: Universities absolved in Hart case

CHRIS GABEL

As expected, the universities once thought to have recruited Fernley’s Kevin Hart were cleared Tuesday of any involvement with the offensive lineman.   The exculpating of California, Oregon, Nevada, Oklahoma State and Washington on the eve of National Signing Day was the only significant piece of information in a statement released by the Lyon County School District, with regard to its internal investigation of the circumstances that led Hart to verbally commit to Cal Berkeley during a momentous school assembly last Friday.  On Monday, the RGJ reported Hart was not recruited by either Cal or Oregon.  “Although only in a preliminary stage, the district’s investigation to date has been unable to verify that Kevin Hart was ever offered an athletic scholarship or letter of intent to play football,” read the statement, which was issued by LCSD superintendent Nat Lommori and assistant superintendent Teri White.

Meanwhile, the NCAA continues to keep an eye on the situation, but may not have any jurisdiction over it. Spokeswoman Stacey Osburn said it has received an abundance of calls on the matter.  “Our net covers the prospective athlete and the (universities),” Osburn said. “A third party wouldn’t fall under our rules.” There was an acknowledgment Tuesday from NIAA executive director Eddie Bonine that a third party, a recruiter who Bonine knows only by last name, is somehow involved. Fernley coach Mark Hodges and White declined comment on the third party.  The news came less than 24 hours before recruits around the country will sign their letters of intent, today, in what has become one of the biggest days of the year in college football.

“The district understands the importance of the National Letter of Intent signing date (today) to these fine institutions and their football programs and issues this statement in order to clear up any concerns prospective recruits to those universities might have as a result of the events that have unfolded at Fernley High School since last Friday,” the statement said.  “The district will continue it’s (sic) investigation into these serious allegations and will provide additional details, to the extent it is permitted to do so by law, in the future.”