By: Cole Livengood | WV Sports Chat
Following yesterday’s ruling from Judge John Bailey of the Northern District of West Virginia, the NCAA released a statement slamming the court for “eroding” the academic standards they, the association, has in place.
At the center of this, now eligible West Virginia pass rusher Jimmori Robinson, a fifth-year transfer from UTSA. Robinson along with Tye Edwards, Jeffery Wiemer, and Justin Harrington successfully sued the NCAA after they denied all four players a waiver to play this season, in violation of a ruling set-in place from Pavia v. NCAA.
Following this historic ruling set in place just nine months ago, the NCAA has faced a total of 33 eligibility lawsuits arguing various eligibility rules. During West Virginia’s eligibility lawsuit, the association claimed Robinson failed to meet progress towards degree requirements during his last season at UTSA and is there for academically ineligible for this season.
In the statement released by the NCAA, it would seem Robinson will be receiving an academic and eligibility waiver to be able to play in Morgantown this season.
The NCAA released the following statement:
“This ruling will lead to high school students losing opportunities to compete in college athletics and it erodes the academic standards that have for decades ensured student-athletes obtained an education. The NCAA and its member schools are making changes to deliver more benefits to student-athletes, but the patchwork of state laws and differing court opinions are why partnering with Congress is essential to provide stability for all college athletes.”
Robinson graduated from UTSA last year, but the academic issues seems to stem from not meeting the credit hour requirements fifth year athletes need to meet following their graduation. Per the NCAA, graduate transfers must complete at least six credit hours towards either the master’s program of your field, or towards a second degree. According to the associations Graduation Success Rate. 83% of eligible FBS college football players graduated last season, with Robinson being one of them.
photo credit: wvgazettemail.com
