Taft’s DeSaussure Violated Rule, Says NCAA Official

An NCAA official confirmed Thursday that Taft High sprinter Andre DeSaussure violated an NCAA rule regarding tryouts of recruits when he ran a leg on a 400-meter relay in the Quincy Watts Invitational at USC last month.

The rule violation occurred March 26 when DeSaussure ran on a team that included Watts, the 1992 Olympic gold medalist in the 400 and 1,600 relay. Because the unattached team competed in a race that included teams from USC, Fresno State, Iowa and Boise State, DeSaussure’s appearance violated an NCAA rule that prohibits schools from holding tryouts for a “prospective student-athlete.”

If the meet had been considered an open competition--in which college, club and high school athletes running unattached could have competed--as opposed to a college meet, DeSaussure would not have broken any rules, according to Stan Wilcox of the NCAA legislative services offices.

“As long as the meet is open to all competitors, whether they’re from the club, collegiate or high school level, there would be no violation,” he said. “But it is considered a tryout if a high school athlete participates in a meet which is considered a collegiate competition.”

Roger Lipkis, DeSaussure’s personal coach, said he checked with the California Interscholastic Federation and the NCAA compliance office to be sure DeSaussure would not break any rules by competing in the meet. Apparently, he received incorrect information.

Tim Tessalone, USC’s sports information director, said earlier this week that the school informed the NCAA of the violation. The school has ceased recruiting DeSaussure and declared him ineligible to participate at USC but has petitioned the NCAA to restore his eligibility. It remains unclear if the NCAA will penalize USC or DeSaussure.

DeSaussure, the 1993 City Section champion in the 100, 200 and 400 meters, has personal bests of 10.72 seconds, 21.1 and 47.11 in those events. He was runner-up in the 400 in last year’s state track and field championships.

A standout wide receiver, he also hopes to play college football.