Bill Walsh May Have Broken Rules

Stanford football Coach Bill Walsh may have violated NCAA rules when he discussed two high school recruits with newspaper reporters last week in New England, the Hartford Courant reported Wednesday.

While on a recruiting trip to New England to visit linebacker Adam Salina of Berlin (Conn.) High, who had said he would sign with Stanford, and running back Greg Comella of Xaverian High in Westwood, Mass., Walsh talked about Salina and Comella with reporters.

It is against NCAA rules for athletic department staff members to evaluate a prospect for media, scouting services or recruiting services before the prospect signs a letter of intent.

Walsh also apparently violated NCAA rules when he appeared at a news conference where Comella announced his decision to attend Stanford.

Stanford Athletic Director Ted Leland said the university reported the improprieties to the Pacific 10 Conference and the NCAA. A decision on whether Stanford will be allowed to sign Salina will be made when the Pac-10 completes its investigation. Comella is free to sign a letter of intention Feb. 3.