Boise State to seek waiver for homeless recruit

Boise State fans want to help Antoine Turner, but fear it would put him in violation of NCAA rules. (Idaho Statesman/Getty Images)

The compliance office at Boise State University is seeking to obtain a waiver from the NCAA in an effort to help a recruit on the football team who is homeless, according to local Idaho news outlet KTVB 7. 

The 21-year-old recruit -- Antoine Tuner --  is being forced out of his home in California due to government housing regulations, according to Kevin McGuire of NBC Sports. He will need to remain in the area in order to graduate in about a week and a half from Fullerton College. He will then need to be in Boise on June 6, and is scheduled to begin classes on June 9.

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A documentary about Turner's life in New Orleans and the drama he experienced growing up -- from his mother's death to Hurricane Katrina to the alleged gang activities in which he became involved -- recently aired on the local news network. The film prompted fans to reach out to provide Turner with assistance.

But the following note from the Boise State compliance office says they are wary of people providing financial or any other kind of help to Turner, because it would put him in violation of NCAA rules. Still, the office says it will seek a waiver to provide help until he's on campus and eligible to be covered for tuition, room and board, books and various fees.

We need to make it clear to your viewers and Bronco fans that it is NOT permissible within NCAA rules for boosters of Boise State athletics to provide benefits to Mr. Turner. That would include money, loans, gifts, discounts, transportation costs, etc.

While Mr. Turner's need is abundantly clear, it is not permissible for Boise State, the athletics department or supporters of the athletics department to assist Mr. Turner at this time.  Once Mr. Turner arrives on campus for the start of the summer school program, he will be well taken care of--receiving full tuition, room and board, books, fees etc.   In the meantime, the compliance office is exploring a potential waiver with the NCAA that would allow us to provide assistance prior to the start of summer school.