NCAA says Williams watching UNC, Obama play 'not an NCAA issue'

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NCAA says Williams watching UNC, Obama play 'not an NCAA issue'

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama fends off pressure while scrimmaging with UNC basketball players.

Apr 29, 2008

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NCAA rules limit how much coaches can work with their teams in the offseason, but an NCAA spokesman said North Carolina's working out with Sen. Barack Obama while coach Roy Williams watched was not a violation.

"This was a unique situation and not an NCAA issue," Erik Christianson, director of public and media relations, said in an email. "It certainly was a great opportunity for the student-athletes to interact with a presidential candidate."

Christianson would not respond to further questions from WRAL on whether NCAA Rule 17.1.6.2.2 applied. That rule reads: "Prior to September 15 and after April 15, no more than four student-athletes from the same team may be involved in skill-related instruction with their coach(es) at any one time in any facility."

UNC spokesman Steve Kirschner told WRAL, "This rule does not apply. Our players are allowed to play pickup games whenever they want and the NCAA said that Roy being there was due to a a unique situation that does not create an NCAA issue."

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Had this been Duke's team with Coack K watching, it would have been a much bigger issue. Former UNC Athletic Director Swafford, who is now ACC commish, obviously has pull with the NCAA. Personally, it doesn't bother me in the least. I mean UNC practiced with Ellington, Lawson and Green, who in all probability will not even be on the team next year, so it's not like they got any benefit out of it. But it's just funny how it's A-OK because it's UNC.