It’s not anything new, unfortunately. I remember when I was in high school, hearing about certain members of the football team getting wined and dined by visiting college players. Yes, “hot women” were generally a part of that equation. Unfortunately for the Vols, though, they’re getting called out on it.

This morning the New York Times reported that the NCAA is investigating Tennessee’s recruiting practices. The investigation centers on the Vol hostesses, Orange Pride, a group of undergraduate women who host recruits when they visit campus on official visits. Tennessee‘s hostesses, who are, not surprisingly, attractive coeds, wear an easily identifiable sleeveless white-button down top with orange skirts. Now an NCAA investigation focuses on purported off-campus trips these women may have made to high school football recruits’ games and their relationships with those recruits.

What strikes me the most, other than the stupidity of any college taking part in said practice, is the creepiness of what one recruiting female.

At least one hostess is alleged to have driven nearly 200 miles to James F. Byrnes High School in South Carolina and held up a sign encouraging players to join the Vols.

I don’t know. Maybe some guys would be flattered, because clearly these football players are. But I think it sounds balls-out nuts. A woman driving 200 miles and holding up a sign for me? Sounds like something out of a bad movie.

I’ll be curious to see what punishment the Vols receive. After all, there isn’t much precedent for schools getting caught for sending girls to woo players. But at least there’s something to be learned out there for young women everywhere.

You, too, can grow up to be a college student who serves as eye-candy for high school football players!

[via Fanhouse]