Dick Vitale: Tom Izzo “furious” that NCAA could waive waiting period for transfer players

There have been mutterings this offseason that the NCAA could make some changes to their transfer rules for the 2020-21 season, allowing players to automatically play after transferring schools. According to Dick Vitale, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is “furious” about the potential rule change.

As of right now, players have to sit out for one year after transferring but can file an appeal. However, that appeal process is currently extremely murky and it is unclear what qualifies as an adequate reason to be granted instant eligibility. Michigan State was on the wrong end of this policy last season after they lost their transfer appeal to let Marquette transfer Joey Hauser play during the 2019-20 season.

Izzo has been frequently outspoken about his distaste for the unclear transfer rules, and his frustration about the Hauser appeal process and decision led to him resigning from the NABC Board of Directors last year.

Here is Dick Vitale’s tweet where he claims Izzo is upset about the proposed rule change:

Just spoke with HoFer Tom Izzo and he is furious with the possibility that the @NCAA would pass a rule allowing players to transfer w/o sitting out 1 yr. Many coaches agree with Tom that it would be detrimental to the kids as well as the game . COACHES SHOULD UNITE!

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 18, 2020