The NCAA is considering tough new recruiting standards after allegations that the University of Colorado and other schools used sex, alcohol and parties to lure star high school athletes.

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The chairman of the NCAA task force reviewing recruiting rules was on a panel with CU President Elizabeth Hoffman (pictured,, left) that testified before a congressional subcommittee Thursday morning.

Rep. Diana DeGette was among the lawmakers who called the hearing to address what she calls a serious problem at colleges and universities across the country.

"My staff put together a chart of 22 alleged violations around the nation, around the country in just the last few years, and this is only the information in the press. Think of the allegations that are there that have not been put to light in the press," DeGette said.

DeGette, D-Colo., questioned the practice of assigning attractive female students to escort athletes around campus and accompany recruits to off-campus parties, a practice she said could put them at risk of being sexually assaulted.

"As painful as this experience has been, we view it as an opportunity to set the standard for athletic recruiting and campus culture," Hoffman said.

CU recently toughened up its recruiting rules in light of the scandal, prohibiting recruits from attending private parties, requiring adult supervision of recruits at all times and establishing an earlier curfew.

The NCAA said one of the most severe changes it is considering is a ban on university-funded recruiting visits. Instead, the athletes would have to pick up the costs.

Final recommendations are expected in the next several weeks.

S. David Berst, chairman of an NCAA task force, said it's clear current standards are inadequate.

"Up to this point, institutions have said to us, 'We can handle that.' I think the recent revelations that have come about ... require attention to the cultural issues and I believe it's the right opportunity to step in," Berst told a congressional subcommittee Thursday. "Let me be clear as well: The use of alcohol, drugs and sex as recruiting inducements cannot and will not be tolerated."

The task force, consisting of athletic directors, administrators and student athletes, also could shorten visits from 48 hours to 24 hours, prohibit off-campus entertainment and limit spending on plane tickets, meals and hotels. It also may require schools to provide lodging and meals on campus.

NCAA President Myles Brand created the task force after reports of tactics used by CU and other schools to attract top prospects. He wants the changes in place before the next college football recruiting season.

Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., who coached the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers for 25 years, said college recruiting is much more regulated today than when he started coaching. Most college coaches do not see a benefit from breaking the rules, he said, and it would be unwise for Congress to try to legislate a solution.

"There is going to be a certain percentage that are going to cheat on their taxes ... that are going to cheat in recruiting. That's just the way it is," he said. "For us to make rules would be very difficult. It would be like having the Washington Redskins come in and write tax policy. They just don't understand it."

Members stressed that CU is not the only school under scrutiny. Several cases were referred to during the hearing, including recent felony charges against University of Miami's top recruit, Willie Williams.

Williams was charged after setting off three fire extinguishers in his hotel and grabbing a woman against her will during a visit to Florida over Super Bowl weekend. He was on probation for a burglary charge and had 10 prior arrests.

According to the NCAA database, 31 schools have been sanctioned for major recruiting violations since 2000. Many involved coaches giving cash, plane tickets or other prohibited benefits to the high school athletes or family members.

Three women have sued CU, alleging they were raped by football players or recruits in 2001. The women claim the school used the promise of sex to entice recruits.

In all, seven women, including Colorado's former place-kicker, said they have been raped since 1997, although no charges have been filed. And reports have cited instances where escorts and strippers were hired to entertain recruits.

The school is investigating and the governor has appointed the state's attorney general as a special prosecutor. The school's head football coach, Gary Barnett, is on paid administrative leave.

Additional Resources:

NCAA
House Energy and Commerce Committee:
University of Colorado