NCAA bends rules to allow Mizzou to play exhibition in Joplin

Since we're always quick to skewer the NCAA for the rigidity of its rules, it's important to give the organization credit for picking an appropriate time to make an exception.

Missouri announced Thursday that the NCAA has granted the school permission to add a third exhibition game to next season's schedule, enabling the Tigers to face Division II Missouri Southern in Joplin. Schools are typically allowed a maximum of two exhibition games per season, but the NCAA granted Missouri a waiver since proceeds from the Oct. 30 game will go to rebuilding efforts in tornado-ravaged Joplin.

"The game between the Tigers and the Lions will surely be exciting and will offer a welcome relief from the stresses of the recovery effort," Missouri Southern president Bruce Speck said in a joint statement released by both schools. "The MU athletics team has already contributed much to the recovery effort and the entire Southwest Missouri region is thankful."

The game, which will be called the "One State, One Spirit Classic," will be played at Missouri Southern's 3,200-seat arena. There will be a moment of silence at 5:41 p.m., the exact time the tornado struck.

In addition to the game against Missouri Southern, the Missouri athletic department has made other efforts to provide relief for Joplin.

The Tigers have sold T-shirts with the slogan "One State. One Spirit. One Mizzou" written above the date the tornado struck. New Missouri basketball coach Frank Haith and fellow Missouri staffers also visited Joplin two weeks ago to donate items collected by the university including food, stuffed animals, diapers, formula and baby wipes.

The other efforts have not gone unnoticed, but it's scheduling a game at Missouri-Southern that has resonated most.

"You don't see Division I programs step up and do what Coach [Frank] Haith and the University of Missouri are doing," Missouri Southern coach Robert Corn told the Joplin Globe. "They know we've suffered a severe blow down in Joplin. They've definitely opened their arms up and said how can we help."

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