University of Houston Men’s Basketball coach Kelvin Sampson – who was among the first big-name celebrities to lend himself to Harvey relief efforts – will be permitted to offer assistance to anyone in need.
Sampson called upon fellow coaches and college athletic departments across the nation to donate excess clothing and shoes to the victims of Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall in Texas two weeks ago.
Questions arose about the possibility that Sampson’s efforts would violate NCAA rules, subjecting the university to possible penalties and sanctions. School officials were reportedly funneling donations through third party organizations
The NCAA tweeted on Saturday, "We encouraged schools to do what's best to help hurricane survivors. As we told AAC Thursday, Houston can give donations to anyone in need."
University officials earlier asked the NCAA for a relief waiver, but the organization said there was no need for one.
UH is receiving and sorting donations at its athletics and alumni center. As students return to school in the Houston ISD and districts around the affected region, the university will be making donations to them as well.