Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his girlfriend Marissa Mowry set up a GoFundMe to raise funds in aid of coronavirus relief.
However, soon after, the couple said the NCAA (National College Athletic Association) forced them to shut it down.
“Unfortunately, though, Trevor cannot be a part of this anymore due to compliance and some rules, so he can’t help out anymore,” Mowry confirmed in a clip uploaded to Instagram. “And also, we have to take down the GoFundMe page.”
Prior to being deactivated, the fundraiser raised over $2,500.
But, according to Grace Raynor of The Athletic, it wasn’t the NCAA after all, but instead the University.
“Important context regarding the Trevor Lawrence situation: Clemson did not hear directly from the NCAA,” Raynor wrote on Twitter. “It was the school’s compliance department that asked him to take it down in keeping with NCAA rules.”
The NCAA also released a statement regarding the couple’s claims, stating, “The NCAA did not ask Trevor Lawrence to take down his fundraiser for COVID-19 patients and their families. We continue to work with member schools, so they have the flexibility to ensure that student-athletes and communities impacted by this illness are supported, and we applaud Trevor for his efforts.”
“Very much appreciate the NCAA looking into this and responding quickly,” Clemson Athletic Director Dan Radakovich said. “Acts like (Trevor’s) are important during this time of national concern.”
According to Bleacher Report, the money the duo raised will go to Meals on Wheels and No Kid Hungry.
Mowry has also recommended that people who want to donate, donate directly to the organizations and not through the GoFundMe.
However, according to The Slate, the NCAA will also allow a waiver for Lawrence and other athletes who want to help those affected by the pandemic. Lawrence and Mowry will continue to gather nominations so they can write letters to people directly impacted by COVID-19 and health care workers.
