Challenge threatens NCAA's $2,000 stipend

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The NCAA plan to give athletes a $2,000 stipend may be in trouble.

Ninety-seven schools have signed a petition asking the NCAA board to reconsider legislation passed in October to provide an additional $2,000 toward the full cost of attendance. If the number of schools reaches 125 by Dec. 26, the legislation will be suspended.

There could be chaos for next year's recruits.

David Berst, the Division I vice president for governance, says roughly 1,000 players have already signed letters-of-intent and many expected to get the extra money. Berst says those promises will be honored. But depending on the board's January actions, Berst says it is possible any new signees would not have access to the $2,000 stipend.

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