The NCAA has raised concerns about “threats of a violent nature” following a contentious decision regarding the transfer of University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill (UNC) football player Devontez “Tez” Walker.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is responsible for overseeing collegiate sports for more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States.
In an official statement, Jere Morehead, the chair of the NCAA’s Division I Board, disclosed that certain committee members have faced “violent, and possibly criminal, threats” in response to their involvement in regulatory determinations.
Morehead stated, “The NCAA is fully aware of recent threats directed towards committee members engaged in regulatory decisions. The national office is actively collaborating with law enforcement and will continue to provide support to the dedicated volunteers who serve on these committees.”
Devontez Walker initially enrolled at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) but did not participate in any games there due to the cancellation of the 2020 football season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the spring of 2021, Walker transferred to Kent State University, where he competed during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Subsequently, he transferred to UNC and sought a waiver that would grant him immediate eligibility to play for the Tar Heels, citing mental health concerns as his primary reason for returning to his home state.
After the NCAA rejected Walker’s eligibility request, UNC Football issued a strongly-worded statement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) last week. Head football coach Mack Brown denounced the NCAA’s decision, expressing his disappointment and loss of faith in the organization’s leadership.
Brown’s statement concluded with a stern rebuke: “Shame on you, NCAA. SHAME ON YOU!”
Morehead appeared to acknowledge Brown’s remarks in his statement, expressing concern about public comments made by some University of North Carolina leaders. He emphasized the importance of utilizing established procedures to voice concerns and propose rule or policy changes within the NCAA, rather than resorting to public relations campaigns.
NCAA regulations permit student-athletes to transfer to another school once with immediate eligibility. If a student-athlete wishes to transfer for a second time, they must either sit out for a year or obtain a transfer waiver to regain immediate eligibility.
In an open letter posted on social media and addressed to NCAA President Charlie Baker, Walker requested an “immediate review and relief” of the NCAA’s decision, contending that his waiver was denied on a technicality.
Walker’s letter stated, “Governor Baker, this decision doesn’t make sense. During my time at NCCU, they never played a football game because the Covid pandemic forced the season’s cancellation. I appeal to your common sense as a man and a leader. Please review my case so that I can pursue my dream as a student-athlete. Isn’t that the fundamental purpose of the NCAA? To assist student-athletes in achieving their dreams?”
In a recent victory against Appalachian State University, North Carolina honored Walker by designating him as an honorary team captain. The Tar Heels also adorned their helmets with decals bearing his name and jersey number.
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