UF Informing Web Sites Selling Tebow Merchandise To Shut Down
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UF Looking To Shutter Web Site
Selling Tebow-Related Items |
The Web site Tebow4He15Man.com is selling items including T-shirts and license plates based on Univ. of Florida QB and Heisman Trophy finalist Tim Tebow, but they “may be an NCAA violation that could put the eligibility of [Tebow] … in danger,” according to David Jones of FLORIDA TODAY. UF Assistant AD/Compliance Kim Green said, “It’s an NCAA issue. It’s a violation of NCAA rules. … We’ve got to go back and prove that Tim was unaware of this, he’s not benefited in any way.” UF fan Brett Black, who runs the Web site, said, “I just want him to win the Heisman [Trophy]. This isn’t about making money. I don’t want to get Tebow in trouble. I’ll pull the plug on it if I have to.” Jones reports UF sent cease-and-desist letters to seven Web sites Thursday, most of which are “strictly in it to make money,” asking them to shut down. UF Associate AD/Compliance & Sports Administration Jamie McCloskey said, “We’re writing letters to these people saying you don’t have the athlete’s permission, you don’t have the university’s permission.” The NCAA has talked to UF officials “about the problems the school is having about the selling and marketing of Tebow’s name and products.” However, McCloskey said that the problem “will likely get even worse.” McCloskey: “If Tim is fortunate enough to win the Heisman as a sophomore, obviously he’s coming back next year. There’s going to be some guy who has this other idea about a T-shirt or a sweatshirt or whatever it is. … All these people out there are saying, ‘How can I make a buck off the accomplishments of this young man?’” (FLORIDA TODAY, 12/7).
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