A proposed revolutionary change to college athlete eligibility is being widely hailed by UCLA and USC coaches, so long as they receive one thing.
“I’ve talked to 15 head coaches this week,”UCLA men’s basketball coach Mick Cronintold the California Post. “We are all the same, we just want to know what the rules are so we can do our job.”
Under the so-called 5-in-5 rule under consideration, college athletes would have five years of eligibility from the time of their high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
That’s a drastic change from current rules that give athletes five years to play four seasons, with additional eligibility granted via waivers and redshirt seasons.
The age-based rule would eliminate redshirts and waivers with just a handful of exceptions such as religious missions, military service or maternity leave.
It would also potentially create mayhem if implemented immediately for athletes who have exhausted their eligibility.
ESPN reported on Monday that NCAA President Charlie Baker said his organization’s Board of Directors would recommend not to grandfather in those athletes whose eligibility has expired, preventing a host of potential problems.
Many college basketball coaches have already set their rosters for next season, signing transfers and allocating money.
What happens if the seniors who just departed are allowed to come back? Where would the money come from to sign them? And would those who didn’t enter the transfer portal before it closed be confined to playing for their previous school?
There’s a similar conundrum facing college football coaches.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
