Recently, the NCAA denied an appeal by former Georgia tight end Luke Ford that would have allowed him to play immediately after his transfer to Illinois. Ford transferred so that he could be closer to his sick grandfather, and has received an outpouring of support from both UGA and Illinois in his decision.
The NCAA’s denial outraged many, including former UGA superstar David Pollack, who questioned the inconsistency on the part of the NCAA in its decisions on eligibility.
“Somebody’s family is sick (Ford’s grandfather), or somebody has a reason to go back home and they get a ‘no,’ and somebody else that doesn’t really have a reason gets a ‘yes.’ That drives you nuts for the kids,” said Pollack. “…Some people get waivers, some people don’t, and it makes absolutely no sense.”
While it looks like the NCAA looks like it won’t be backtracking on its decision about Ford, perhaps outcries from notable athletes like Pollack will influence more appropriate decisions by the NCAA for future student athletes in Ford’s position.
