Maryland Hopeful Center Of Recruiting Controversy

Eric Prisbell and Steve Yanda of The Washington Post report on a potential conflict of interest between the University of Maryland, Under Armour, and Brooklyn hoops stand-out, Lance Stephenson. Under Armour, trying to penetrate the shoe market long dominated by Nike, Reebok, and Adidas, has targeted Stephenson as a key player in its marketing efforts if and when the prospect reaches the NBA.

While the practice of shoe companies wooing top high school talent is nothing new, Under Armour CEO and Maryland alumnus Kevin Plank sits on the university's Board of Trustees. Plank's close ties to his alma mater gives the school a recruiting advantage but also raises concerns of an improper booster relationship.

UPDATE: University of Maryland's response