How was Tim Dwight able to compete for Iowa in 1999?

[scottmitchell74]

Dwight had that great 1999 Big Ten meet......but was a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons in 1998.

I'm sure it's simple, yet what is it that I'm missing? (other than a brain)

[STL_Runner]

Re: How was Tim Dwight able to compete for Iowa in 1999?

Dwight had that great 1999 Big Ten meet......but was a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons in 1998.

I'm sure it's simple, yet what is it that I'm missing? (other than a brain)

We were all wondering the same thing back in 1999 when Tim Dwight was the "headliner" at the Drake Relays (he didn't run though). As I remember it, since Dwight didn't have any sponsorships, he was allowed to compete. The NFL just happened to be his employer. That's why a guy like Dwight was able to compete in T&F but Jeremy Bloom (World Cup Moguls Champion) wasn't allowed to compete in football for Colorado (his skiing income came from sponsorships). That's how I remember it at least.

[dj]

Re: How was Tim Dwight able to compete for Iowa in 1999?

Dwight had that great 1999 Big Ten meet......but was a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons in 1998.

I'm sure it's simple, yet what is it that I'm missing? (other than a brain)

Long ago (1974 or thereabouts) the rules were changed so that a professional in one sport could still be an NCAA amateur in another. The first(?) to compete in track while being a pro football player was quarter miler Larance Jones.

[STL_Runner]

Re: How was Tim Dwight able to compete for Iowa in 1999?

Dwight had that great 1999 Big Ten meet......but was a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons in 1998.

I'm sure it's simple, yet what is it that I'm missing? (other than a brain)

Long ago (1974 or thereabouts) the rules were changed so that a professional in one sport could still be an NCAA amateur in another. The first(?) to compete in track while being a pro football player was quarter miler Larance Jones.

That's correct. Obviously you can't play for the Falcons while also playing college football for the Hawkeyes. They also have to make sure they don't have any sponsors.

[scottmitchell74]

Great answers! Thanks guys, makes sense once you know the rules.

Going pro in one sport does not crush elegibility in another. Interesting to know.

[Pego]

Great answers! Thanks guys, makes sense once you know the rules.

Going pro in one sport does not crush elegibility in another. Interesting to know.

...but getting a discount on shoes, or being invited to a dinner does. Totally absurd.

[gh]

It's not as simple as you might think, as Jeremy Bloom of Colorado would be quick to point out.

He's the guy who was world champion moguls skiier and wanted to play football for the Buffs but the NCAA said no because he was getting endorsement money from his sponsors! Earning a pro football salary is OK, but being a pitchman is not!

[bijanc]

Amateur in One, Pro In Another

ESPN E:60 looked at this last night:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=4579737