NCAA wrong on Masoli ruling
I had another blog set for this morning but the news changed everything. And that’s good. So here we go:
The NCAA is wrong on the Jeremiah Masoli ruling. Here’s why.
The NCAA has refused to grant former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli a waiver to be eligible to play at Ole Miss this season. Ole Miss has appealed the ruling but it is unlikely that the appeal will be successful. I reached out to Coach Houston Nutt this morning and I would have to say that he is not optimistic.
Here is what I see: You can make an ethical argument over whether or not Masoli, who was kicked off the Oregon team, should be allowed to play right away at Ole Miss. The fact is he got a second chance from Oregon coach Chip Kelly and he blew it. So if you want to take the position that Ole Miss should not have taken the kid in the first place, I respect that point of view.
But this is not an ethical argument. It is a legal argument. There is a system in place that allows athletes who have graduated with eligibility remaining to transfer and become eligible immediately at another school. You simply have to fulfill the requirements, which Masoli did.
Ole Miss will make the argument that the rules do not require the athlete to be in good standing with a team, but with the university where he last attended. Masoli graduated from Oregon so therefore he was in good standing with the school.
The NCAA rule says something about the transfer being for academic reasons. But the requirement states that the transferring student must enroll in a graduate program not available at his former institution. Masoli did that.
Again, you can make the argument that Ole Miss should not have a taken the kid. I’ve got no problem with that.
But I’m not comfortable with the NCAA being able to arbitrarily say that this kid has a legitimate reason to transfer and that kid does not. They should not have that kind of discretionary power.
There has to be a system and a set of rules. You either follow the rules or you don’t. If you follow the rules then the result should be predictable. If not, then you should get rid of the rule.
Your thoughts?
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503 comments Add your comment
Jeff Merrick
September 1st, 2010
9:00 am
What’s not fair is that the student-athletes are on one-year contracts. If injured – you don’t get the scholarship next year. Yet, the schools have, in effect, multi-year rights over the kids. That’s discussed here: http://bit.ly/asfwVu
Maybe Masoli should be the Curt Flood of NCAA football?
Perry
September 1st, 2010
9:01 am
Tony:
I liked your article a few days ago on Masoli. It seemed reasonable. But today’s article? No, the end does not justify the means. No, winning 1 more game a year does not offset the risk of further embarrassment to a college. No, Masoli didn’t transfer because he was looking for a major that Oregon didn’t offer, he transferred because he wanted to play football. To leave out ethics from this, is appalling. But I did like what you had to say the other day, that your instinct was to not touch Masoli with a 10 foot pole.
http://blogs.ajc.com/barnhart-college-football/2010/07/28/should-ole-miss-take-jeremiah-masoli/
KR
September 1st, 2010
9:02 am
I’m not quite ready to throw the NCAA under the bus – yet. I don’t think I have enough information to make that call. I’d like to see the official denial notification and find out what grounds they used to make that determination.
For example, are there any NCAA prohibitions regarding a university’s admissions procedures? When I enrolled in graduate school, it took a good 6-8 months to get the entire process completed. Testing, applications, transcripts, interviews, etc… all had to be in place. However, Masoli was able to do the same thing in what appeared to be weeks. If the University of Mississippi sidestepped their own rules to fast-track Masoli’s admission, I could see where the NCAA might have a problem with it.
All of that being said, I’m not going to lose sleep over this one. Masoli made his choices in life and now must live with the consequences.
TommyJack
September 1st, 2010
9:02 am
NCAA similar to gubment….too much power, too many layers. And worng on the Masoli deal.
e
September 1st, 2010
9:03 am
sometimes, the ncaa just can’t win. when players and schools get punished for “minor” violations like illegal use of phone cards or a coach saying more than “hello” during a quiet period, many people say the ncaa should use discretion. however, when a player finds a loophole to avoid punishment, then many people (as evidenced by these comments) say the ncaa should go by the letter of the law. which one is it?
masoli never would have transferred if he was not kicked off the oregon team. this situation seems similar to asking your dad if you can to the movies after your mom already said that you can’t go.
Jake
September 1st, 2010
9:04 am
NCAA is full of themselves. Their wrong on this issue. It’s nice to know they made this ruling one day before College Kick-off. They’ve know this for months. Sounds like our Federal Government,, Slow to react.
Gen Neyland
September 1st, 2010
9:04 am
RxDawg : re: your 0830 this AM, looks like you nailed it.
Mike S
September 1st, 2010
9:04 am
First, I agree with many on here that Masoli is a scumbag and not worthy of playing in the NCAA.
HOWEVER – and this is a big HOWEVER – this is NOT about Jeremiah Masoli and what he did at Oregon. This is about NCAA rules, and the NCAA chosing not to follow its own rules.
The rules are clear in this case – a Player who has Eligibility remaining can transfer to a school that has a graduate program not available at the present school and if that is the case THE PLAYER IS IMMEDIATELY ELIGIBLE.
THAT IS THE RULE — PERIOD!!!!! Masoli and Mississippi followed that rule to the letter. Whether their intentions were honorable – they aren’t, the goal is get Masoli in uniform and on the field; whether Masoli is desrving of playing – he is not; is all beside the point — THE RULES ARE THE RULES and Masoli followed the rules.
The NCAA cannot expect anyone to take their enforcement of their rules seriously if they arbitrarily decide which rules they are going to follow themselves. AND THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE.
kaput
September 1st, 2010
9:05 am
The NCAA is out of control right now. Rules are rules, they MUST follow them – they can’t put an ‘ethical component” into the decision making process, it needs to be black and white and not subject to subjective measures.
They are out of control. And if they’re not careful, they’re going to find that their future isn’t set in stone – and I would be fine with that.
Renee Gork
September 1st, 2010
9:05 am
It’s ok Jeff because now he CAN be put on scholarship instead of paying his own way.And he can get that parks and rec. degree he has so desperately wanted from the University of Mississippi for all these years…
TJ
September 1st, 2010
9:06 am
Actually, the NCAA got it *RIGHT* this time. Masoli isn’t transferring, he was kicked out of school!
Mike S
September 1st, 2010
9:09 am
@TJ 9:06 AM — No, Masoli was not kicked out of school. Masoli GRADUATED. He was kicked off the Oregon Football Team — since he had already graduated from the University there was no school displinary action involved.
and THAT is the crux of this argument. Masoli is in GOOD STANDING with the University of Oregon. He is a GRADUATE of the University of Oregon, and his academic record is of high enough quality for him to fully qualify as a GRADUATE student at the University of Mississippi.
His standing with the ORegon Football team and athletic department has no bearing whatsoever on this decision (even if it should).
Buster
September 1st, 2010
9:12 am
Masoli can still get his park & recreation master’s degree, and go be a Park Ranger, since he’s so passionate about that, right? Yeah, and I’m Smokey the Bear. Masoli wants to be a Park Ranger so bad? I guess we’ll see about his true intentions now.
Dirk
September 1st, 2010
9:13 am
You smoke weed and get busted, drive with a suspended license, get busted, burgularize, and get busted, 3 strikes, you’re out. Kid got busted twice, since Jan.
Joe Pa
September 1st, 2010
9:14 am
I believe that Masoli has a degree from Oregon. It’s time for him to enter the real world; get a job, and leave his college days behind.
DawgnGA
September 1st, 2010
9:15 am
Hey , as they stated, He would not have been eligible to Oregon! Plus he transferred what 2 weeks before the pre-season work outs? Hate to say it but NCAA hit this on on the head! Plus Nathan Stanley was being pushed aside by Nutt to get this guy, Would be funny if the went to Nutt today and said Hmmm think I will transfer someewhere that I am wanted.. Typical Nutt what ever it takes to win.. 1 extra game,, Welcome to the bottom of the SEC west HDN!
What dawg?
September 1st, 2010
9:16 am
When people consider the judgements of the NCAA they tend to base their opinions on how it will affect their team. I think most opinions on this are directly related to who your team is. Those who fear Masoli probably like the ruling. For example, look who thinks he should be in jail, a bammer. I doubt he thinks any of the thugs in Tuscaloosa should be incarcerated. Additionally, I have a feeling we’re not getting the whole story here. Mr College Football does not know everything, and we all know where his allegiances lie. My opinion is that Ole Miss is probably getting their just reward.
Konabuzz
September 1st, 2010
9:17 am
I’m with you Tony on this one. At the end of the day this is all about about applying the rules and the NCAA has not followed its own set of rules. Did the NCAA actually state why they were denying the appeal?
Sanders
September 1st, 2010
9:17 am
NCAA WAS RIGHT.
YOU TRANSFER FOR ACADEMIC REASONS, NOT TO ESCAPE DISCIPLINE.
Beast from the East
September 1st, 2010
9:18 am
I have to agree with the NCAA on this one. The rule was intended to help STUDENT-athletes that wanted to continue their education. It was not intended to allow a problem kid that got kicked off of a team to be able to use as a loophole to immediately go play somehwere else.
Ask your self this, if Masoli had not gotten into trouble for a second time and thus got kicked off his team, do you really think he would have been interested in seeeking further studies in Parks and Recreation from the University of Mississippi? The clear answer is not only no, but heck no!
This guy is just trying to use a loophole because he has repeatedly failed to follow the rules. Now he wants to try and bend the rules to work in his favor. I’m sorry, but his college football days are over and rightfully so.
The NCAA is a group of pompous jerks, but I agree with this particular decision.
NCAA correct on Masoli denial | TheMatadorSports.com
September 1st, 2010
9:22 am
[...] Miss and Masoli were obviously disappointed in the denial and they said an appeal is forthcoming. Coach Nutt believes the ruling was wrong and Masoli deserves a second chance. What Nutt really meant was that Ole Miss [...]
Raz4back
September 1st, 2010
9:22 am
If there are no unknown circumstances then clearly the NCAA is wrong. If the organization can’t follow their own rules how can they expect to hold universities accountable?
That being said, the fans of Ole Miss have been givin an example of why most Arkansans were ready for Nutt to go. He goes on Dan Patrick’s show saying that he wouldn’t have been interested in Masoli if he hadn’t had a quarterback transfer. He even goes as far as to say that he told Masoli that they “didn’t have room for him” when he was first contacted by Masoli. Now he states that “we are in the people helping business.” if that were the case why wasn’t he willing to “help” Masoli when he had 3 QBs on campus. After all walk ons don’t count against the 85 scholarship limit, so clearly there was always “room” for Masoli. Typical Nutt, Ole Miss fans may as well get used to these type of fiascos.
LL
September 1st, 2010
9:22 am
Ole Miss’s back up QB got ticked, transfered a month ago. Now this? Who’s Nutt going to have as his QB now, a JUCO transfer?
TheTaxJacket
September 1st, 2010
9:23 am
(((( Nesbitt for Heismen ))))
((( 45 – 42 )))
Al Nall
September 1st, 2010
9:24 am
Please remember Masoli is not on a scholarship here. He is a walk on. That was one of the things Masoli had to agree to before coming to Ole Miss. And also he is not under any probation etc. He has paid his debt to society and has no obligation to the state of Oregon. The NCAA may have a point in that the spirit of the rule is circumvented, but the way it words its rule, (in good standing academically) does not include athletics so there could be a good chance this will be overturned. It has happened several times before on this rule.
THE TRUTH
September 1st, 2010
9:27 am
TXFOOD- He is not on scholarship. He agreed to pay his own way
Bama Fan # 2: He did make some mistakes, but don’t throw stones in a glass house.
TJ
September 1st, 2010
9:27 am
Mike S, is he in good standing with the law?
ES South
September 1st, 2010
9:28 am
Social norms are there for a reason, a good reason. Masoli thumbs his nose at social norms. Masoli thinks he can excuse himself from social norms, and yet not have personal responsibility for rejecting the social norms of society. The U.S doesn’t reward people who do drugs, burglarize, and drive without a license. That’s a good thing. If Masoli wants to protray himself as some kind of victim, that’s inaccurate. He chose to ignore the social norms, that are reasonabe and there to protect society, and he must get the consequences.
bamafan
September 1st, 2010
9:28 am
Unexpected result. However, if the rule is for academic purposes, then the NCAA stance makes sense. If Masoli really wants the graduate degree offered at Ole Miss, then he may enroll there.
NCAA has apparently decided that his enrollment is a sham and that it is for sole purpose of playing football. Makes sense logically, but it is sheery hypocrisy on the part of the NCAA to suddenly decide in this one case that academics should take priority over sports. It is the NCAA’s rule and they are entitled to interpret it…….if, as written, it results in an unintended result (Masoli being allowed to transfer without sitting out), then it should be re-written to clearly express the original NCAA intent. Say what you will about Houson Nutt – not sure the hogs fare any better with Putrid Petrino and his fiasco over the reporter’s headgear……..dumb and petty.
DawginLex
September 1st, 2010
9:29 am
This is college football, not NFL free agency. Let him go try out for a pro team. He graduated already. Forcing him in at Ole Miss just made the school look desperate.
for once the NCAA got it right.
Beast from the East
September 1st, 2010
9:31 am
For anyone that thinks Masoli’s intentions were admirable, let’s just see if he stays at Ole Miss and seeks his masters in Parks and Recreation now that he is not eligible to play football. I think we all know how that will turn out.
dawg fan's=WINDOW LICKER'S
September 1st, 2010
9:31 am
STOP THE PRESSES!! THE NCAA GOT IT RIGHT!!! HOWEVER,THIER TIMING SUCK’S!! THIS KID TRIED TO FOOK-A-DOOK THE SYSTEM BUT IT BIT HIM IN THE END!!! HIS REAREND!!!
Clmsntgrs
September 1st, 2010
9:33 am
I don’t get it. The NCAA has turned into a mafia-style organization. They write their own rules without regard to the unenviable positions that they put not only the athletes in, but also the institution. They never make decisions in a timely manner which hurt the school and athlete. I have no sympathy for the athletes that do wrong, but you’ve got to provide these institutions time to make alternative plans so the team is not also wronged. When are the school presidents going to stand-up to this thuggery which has become all too common.
Sven Ottke
September 1st, 2010
9:35 am
The rule isn’t intended to allow athletes to run from their troubles from one school to another to play right away. NCAA got this right. He’s just dodging bullets.
ES South
September 1st, 2010
9:40 am
Here’s the rule:
If you transfer, for disciplanary reasons, you must sit out a year.
There no exceptions to this rule.
It’s a good rule.
You can’t escape consquences, the NCAA wants kids to learn, and not repeat mistakes.
T3
September 1st, 2010
9:42 am
This one Barnhart article sutiable for framing on a wall.
Look, Masoli is a idiot law-breaker who cant stay out of trouble.
Nutt dug this hole all by himself.
But, here you have UGA-SEC super-homer Barnhart
making the following points:
Tony said:
“But this is not an ETHICAL argument. It is a LEGAL argument.”
Only to an SEC apologst like Tony should ETHICAL be considered separate and distinct from LEGAL. Thats one the PRIMARY reason this country is in such deep doo-doo, because of this type BS.
Tony then said:
“They(NCAA) should not have that kind of discretionary power.”
Excuse me but, isnt the NCAA the GOVERNING BOARD of ALL College Athletics ?? They make ALL the rules. Tony just doesnt like it when it doesnt benefit the SEC.
Here again you have ON DISPLAY an SEC apologist chastising
the NCAA for showing some BACKBONE FOR ONCE and
“messin up a good thang for Coach Hillbilly in Oxford.”
Tony is a disgrace.
Fleet
September 1st, 2010
9:43 am
This article reminds me of Tony’s article where Darieus at Alabama got in trouble for hanging out with agents in Miami, and Saban went off on the agents, and Tony backed up Saban. Wrong then, wrong here too.
Reptillicide
September 1st, 2010
9:44 am
The NCAA has no place legislating what is morally right or wrong. People here saying they got it right are fools.
The letter of the law in regard to this situation is clear, but the NCAA, as always, picks and chooses how it will enforce the rules.
Agree with you on this, Tony.
GTJeff1975
September 1st, 2010
9:45 am
First Time I will agree with 30-24. NCAA got it RIGHT. Massoli is getting exactly what he deserves. Its disgraceful that he was allowed to attend Ole Miss after everything he has done anyway.
Gone With The Wind
September 1st, 2010
9:47 am
Barnhart is losing his grip & fading into sports irrelevancy.
Steve
September 1st, 2010
9:48 am
Tony,
You breezed right through the NCAA requirements of the transfer “being for academic purposes.”
You, I, Coach Nutt, and everyone else knows that this kid’s transfer was not for academic purposes. Ergo, on a legal basis, your argument is flawed.
Hal
September 1st, 2010
9:50 am
no he’s not wrong here. The kid and the school operated within the rules. Is it a bad rule? A loophole perhaps? Sure and maybe it should be better defined for the future. But you can’t apply new rules backwards. That’s hypocrisy. Furthermore its damaging to the school. If this is how the NCAA feels, then it felt this way 4 weeks ago and could have said so then. This would have allowed Ole Miss a chance to get another QB greased up. Instead Ole Miss’ ath dept asked the NCAA if this was going to be a problem and the inside thought at the time was, make sure he goes by the rule, which he did. And now they’re both hung out to dry. If this were Texas, Florida or Southern Cal the ruling would take 4 years and be very different. Or they may have just told ‘em up front “don’t take the kid he’s not going to play this year.”
Fast Eddie
September 1st, 2010
9:51 am
The NCAA is a quasi-government agency and, as usual the bureaurats (note there is no “c” in that word) got it wrong. Reminds me of those US Dept. of (In)Justice attorneys making their decisions based on their liberal views, not the law as written.
LOL
September 1st, 2010
9:52 am
The NCAA should also require a course work clearinghouse whereby everything graded in a class for every athlete has to be turned in to the NCAA. It would be a blast seeing some of the creampuff things athletes get to do in order to keep eligibility at certain schools.
jimmy mc
September 1st, 2010
9:52 am
ncaa-nascar=dictatorship let the kid play ball.to much corporate B.S.will ruin a sport
Steven
September 1st, 2010
9:54 am
His article is spot on. It doesnt matter what anybody thinks. Masoli met all the requirements to be cleared. They NCAA twisted the rule to give them a reason to deny Masoli. Masoli met every single requirement. Masoli was kicked of the football team, not out of the university. Rule says nothing about being in good standing with an Athletic team. You also have to find a major your current school does not offer, which he did. Thats it, its very simple. The NCAA decided to take in to account Masoli was booted from the Oregon team, which has nothing to do with there rulings. So everybody thought by reading the rule
Alan
September 1st, 2010
9:55 am
Since when did the NCAA become a moral authority? If Masoli and Ole Miss followed the rules, as Tony outlined, then the decision can only be viewed as a moral one. Leave moralizing to places of worship. Rules are rules — don’t penalize someone for abiding by them.
oxford mafia
September 1st, 2010
9:56 am
houston nutt has gone off the reservation on this masoli kid.
now nutt has put the whole season down the tubes.
most ole miss boosters were opposed to getting masoli to start with
rumor in jackson has it that some influential boosters told ole miss president to contact the ncaa and directly instruct the ncaa block the masoli approval.
important boosters have split with nutt over this masoli kid
this season will go very bad and boosters will push to
drop nutt at year end.
TigerMikie
September 1st, 2010
9:57 am
If he wasn’t into stealing and smoking pot, he could have played at Oregon this year. How many chances should one get in life before you learn your lesson?
GA DAWG
September 1st, 2010
9:58 am
If it were a per se rule then you would be right, and the appeal would result in an overturning of the initial decision. However, if there is any room for discretion in the boards decision, then the appeal will be unsuccessful. Double check the rule, Tony. I don’t know, because I haven’t seen the rule. But if there is anything in it that allows for discretion, then it doesn’t matter if Masoli met all of the other requirements.
And from a moral stand point, F’ him. He’s a criminal and should be serving prison time for a burglary.