Judge John P. Bailey, a West Virginia judge has made a temporary ruling on the NCAA preventing college athletes who have transferred more than once from playing immediately.
Judge Bailey initiated a 14-day restraining order. Although this is a temporary ruling, it continues the on slot of rules that are being forcefully challenged by the U.S. Courts.
Typically, players that transfer once are allowed to play immediately. That rule was made the same time the transfer portal was created. The ruling on transferring twice was always a sticking point. If the NCAA opted not to grant a player a waiver to immediately play after transferring again, players would have to sit out a year.
Darrell Jackson – FSU
We saw this play out for former Maryland and Miami defensive tackle Darrell Jackson. Jackson had transferred from Maryland to Miami for a better opportunity and more exposure. After his 1 season at Miami, the health of his mother forced him to consider transferring to a program closer to home.
That program would be Miami’s biggest rival Florida State. Jackson, a native from Tallahassee, Florida requested a waiver from the NCAA to play immediately. If there was any reason to request a waiver, family health should be automatic.
Jackson stated he did not want to leave Miami but needed to. The Miami faithful understood and was ok with the move. Jackson, a talented player destined for the NFL isn’t one you want walking out of your locker room.
Ultimately, the NCAA blocked his waiver and Jackson sat on the sideline for the entire 2023 season. Although FSU went undefeated, it is a lost season for Jackson.
Devontez Walker – North Carolina
Florida State ACC rival, North Carolina, dealt with a similar transfer situation. Wide receiver Devontez Walker transferred to UNC from Kent State. He too wanted to transfer closer to home due to mental health challenges.
The NCAA initially denied the waiver due to the two-time transfer rule. Out of high school, Walker committed to play for North Carolina Central; and HBCU program. However, due to the pandemic, NC Central season was cancelled all together.
Although Walker was on the roster, the team never snapped the ball once that year. Walker and North Carolina appealed the ruling. Surprisingly, the ruling on Walkers eligibility was over turned. The NCAA rarely changes their minds mid-season.
Walker would play his first game for North Carolina in a primetime matchup against Miami. Walker had 6 catches for 132 yards and 3 touchdowns in his debut. He was a truly a difference maker in that game.
What’s next
Well, the restraining order will only last for two weeks, but this is a huge step in dismissing the NCAA two-time transfer rule all together. By holding players back from playing, this rule conflicts with the athletes ability to make money.
With the NIL, the window of opportunity for players to make money while still in school for their talents is small. The NCAA transfer waiver rules could very well be found as a federal antitrust law violation.
