Could Iowa athletes' appearance with Donald Trump be an NCAA violation?

Published Jan. 27, 2016 4:27 p.m. ET

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Has Donald Trump put the University of Iowa into violation of NCAA rules?

The university says no, but it will be up to the NCAA to decide whether what happened on stage at a rally for the Republican presidential front-runner on Tuesday crossed the line.

Members of the Iowa football and wrestling teams joined Trump and presented him with a Hawkeyes football jersey. Trump had this to say about the football Hawkeyes (via The Daily Caller): "What a team, what a team. And they were so nice: They endorsed Trump. They like Trump, and I like them."

NCAA guidelines on advertising prohibit "endors[ing] a political candidate or party, or ... advocat[ing] a viewpoint on controversial issues of public importance."

Iowa athletic director Gary Barta issued a statement to The Daily Caller that read, in part: "University of Iowa student-athletes are encouraged to participate in the political process as individuals. However, like any endorsement by a student or faculty member, their participation should not be considered representative of the entire team or university. ... The jersey presented to Mr. Trump was not an official Iowa football jersey. ... We are confident that no violations of NCAA rules and regulations have taken place."

Trump also provided a scouting a report on Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard, calling him "the next Tom Brady" -- and, of course, Trump should know, being that he and the Patriots QB are great pals.  

H/T: The Daily Caller

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