Antoine Turner hasn’t had an easy life. Despite using his God-given ability to earn a football scholarship at Boise State University, he’s dealt with the loss of his mother to cancer at age 4, didn’t have his father in his life and is now homeless until summer classes begin.
But when his story hit airwaves and people saw his persistence through all of this, they wanted to help. Unfortunately, the NCAA wasn’t having any of it and laid down their strict ruling on a poor kid who’s been sleeping in his girlfriend’s car.
The NCAA explained via KTVB:
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.
Antoine, a New Orleans native and resident during Hurricane Katrina, has been playing college ball at Cal State Fullerton after evacuating to California. He’s earned a scholarship to play at Boise but will need to wait until June 6 before he receives help from the school.
However, he’s maintained a strong faith thanks to his girlfriend who has been supporting him by sleeping with Antoine in her car and different motels throughout the city. She’ll be making the big move to Boise with him where the two will be taking classes and beginning a new life of opportunity.
Plus, the guy’s in love!
