The Bobcat Nation

I have to admit I was lurking on egriz. Can't help it during rivalry week, but saw this story and it moved me to help. I know if the Griz's hands weren't tied, the family would have no concerns about raising money around the holidays, but their fans are not sure if they can (NCAA rules) and it is such a humble amount the family trying to raise.

http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopi ... =1&t=72282

Angel is a freshman OL on their team. His family's home in CA burned down and they lost everything.

Here's the link for some more information and a place if you want to help out:

NCAA is so dumb sometimes.

I have a lot of respect for the sentiment behind this thread. One thing I would point out, though, is that the NCAA uses a very broad definition of the word "booster," and the fact that you are a Cat fan doesn't mean you might not (unknowingly) also be a UM "booster," as defined by the NCAA.

So if you're inclined to contribute (and if you are, I have the utmost appreciation for where your heart is at), please keep this in mind. I'm not an expert on the NCAA's rules by any means, but if you look at their definition of "booster," you'll see that it includes any individual who is a "member of an organization that has supported the school's athletic programs" (I might be paraphrasing, but that's the substance). I don't exactly know the parameters of that definition, but if you read it literally, it could mean that most people in Montana are boosters of both schools.

Anyone with better knowledge of the NCAA's rules should feel free to chime in; I'd love to be proven wrong on this...

There are thousands of unfortunate Californians that have had a rough year. When one decides to come to Montana for a few years not sure I feel more apt to help them.

Relatively sure there are a number of organizations that ought to receive our consideration for contributions.


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Seriously messed up the way the NCAA rules work sometimes.

webdav wrote:Seriously messed up the way the NCAA rules work sometimes.

Not when you think about it. What is the difference is you give some kid's dad a job at the school because the kid plays football? Are you going to donate to all the people that lost homes in California due to the wildfires?

Good point but it still sucks for this family that people who want to help can't. At some point it isn't about football. They lost everything.

Grizlaw wrote:I have a lot of respect for the sentiment behind this thread. One thing I would point out, though, is that the NCAA uses a very broad definition of the word "booster," and the fact that you are a Cat fan doesn't mean you might not (unknowingly) also be a UM "booster," as defined by the NCAA.

So if you're inclined to contribute (and if you are, I have the utmost appreciation for where your heart is at), please keep this in mind. I'm not an expert on the NCAA's rules by any means, but if you look at their definition of "booster," you'll see that it includes any individual who is a "member of an organization that has supported the school's athletic programs" (I might be paraphrasing, but that's the substance). I don't exactly know the parameters of that definition, but if you read it literally, it could mean that most people in Montana are boosters of both schools.

Anyone with better knowledge of the NCAA's rules should feel free to chime in; I'd love to be proven wrong on this...

I understand your reasoning, but it don't make sense. As a Cat fan/booster, if I make a contribution to a Griz player/familly, I could placing the Griz in jeopardy of an NCAA violation? It wouldn't apply to Cats since none of the players would benefit from the transaction. I am sure the NCAA intent is prevent boosters from supplying benefits to the programs/players they support.

Regardless, I would love to help this kid. We as Montana's should take in helping our neighbors, Cat or Griz. The food drive battle is a great example.

This is not meant to sound cold or diminish this tragedy in any way. But most often, if the home has a mortgage there is insurance involved...the lender requires fire insurance. I'm hoping the family has it. Sometimes, it's not enough to cover the total loss. Also, the Red Cross does a good job of providing first aid services...vouchers for food, temporary lodging and necessities. I'm not advocating anyone not send aid. Just looking at the assistance possibilities.

Cataholic wrote:

Grizlaw wrote:I have a lot of respect for the sentiment behind this thread. One thing I would point out, though, is that the NCAA uses a very broad definition of the word "booster," and the fact that you are a Cat fan doesn't mean you might not (unknowingly) also be a UM "booster," as defined by the NCAA.

So if you're inclined to contribute (and if you are, I have the utmost appreciation for where your heart is at), please keep this in mind. I'm not an expert on the NCAA's rules by any means, but if you look at their definition of "booster," you'll see that it includes any individual who is a "member of an organization that has supported the school's athletic programs" (I might be paraphrasing, but that's the substance). I don't exactly know the parameters of that definition, but if you read it literally, it could mean that most people in Montana are boosters of both schools.

Anyone with better knowledge of the NCAA's rules should feel free to chime in; I'd love to be proven wrong on this...

I understand your reasoning, but it don't make sense. As a Cat fan/booster, if I make a contribution to a Griz player/familly, I could placing the Griz in jeopardy of an NCAA violation? It wouldn't apply to Cats since none of the players would benefit from the transaction. I am sure the NCAA intent is prevent boosters from supplying benefits to the programs/players they support.

Regardless, I would love to help this kid. We as Montana's should take in helping our neighbors, Cat or Griz. The food drive battle is a great example.

Good point, it would be a very easy way to get a rival school in trouble, for an unethical fan. It can't be an NCAA violation.

91catAlum wrote:
Good point, it would be a very easy way to get a rival school in trouble, for an unethical fan. It can't be an NCAA violation.

I know; I was thinking about that too, and I don't know what the answer is. The thing is, though, the NCAA doesn't care what school you're a "fan" of, they only care if you're a "booster." Clearly it is possible to be a booster of both schools, right? There are probably a lot of people living in Montana who contribute money to both schools' athletics departments, (business owners who have employees from both schools, etc.) My guess is, all of those people are probably considered to be "boosters" of both schools.

Like I said, I'm definitely not an expert on this stuff - my only knowledge comes from having read the rules a couple years ago, back when UM was going through its "improper benefits" issues with boosters, and when I saw this thread, it got me thinking. That's all...