UW scraps scrimmage due to NCAA rule

Washington cancelled an alumni scrimmage that would have featured the current team playing against NBA players such as Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Jon Brockman and Spencer Hawes because the scrimmage could have been a NCAA violation after coach Lorenzo Romar publicized the event,� according to the Seattle Times.

Romar said the game against the alumni would have been the best competition the Huskies faced this season. But he put the scrimmage in jeopardy by talking about them during a pair of interviews Tuesday. And several players also tweeted about the scrimmage, which may have been a compliance issue.

According to NCAA exception 14.1.8.1.6: "A former (student-athlete) at the certifying institution ... may participate in an organized practice session on an occasional basis, provided the institution does not publicize the participation of the former student at any time before the practice session."

The cancellation caused Hawes to tweet that the "NCAA is such a joke," adding, "NCAA should embrace former athletes going back to school and supporting their athletic programs. What harm does it do? Everyone benefits." Recent NBA draft pick Isaiah Thomas took aim at the NCAA as well, tweeting, "NCAA has TOOOOOO many rules... Like too many STUPID rules."

What would have been a fun event for the fans and former players now won't be taking place because Romar discussed the game on the radio. The current Huskies also miss out on playing NBA talent that has been idle during the lockout. The early glimpse of the team in action will have to wait until an exhibition game next week, as Washington tries to get back to the NCAA tournament.

Nobody seems to win in this situation.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/37544/uw-scraps-scrimmage

Dallas Mavericks Jonathan Edward Wood Carmelo Anthony Tracy McGrady Scott Speed Yao Ming