Wow

[BradleyJD]

Check out this story/open letter....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/basketball/ncaa/12/19/todd.obrien/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t12_a2

Talk about not playing fairly.....

[tornado]

interesting airing of dirty laundry and I suspect Coach Martelli's side of the story differs significantly...

the kid is eligible to transfer and play right away but he has not been released by St. Joe's -- and this is one transfer - the grad school transfer - that requires a release even if the kid wants to pay his own way...

[bu fan 9]

I agree with St Joe's thats a bad rule. You play where you got your degree from or you don't play D1 basketball period.

[TheAsianSensation]

See, that's why I hate the rule too although it's unfair to the players. Most of the time, players take advantage of it, when in this case, it seems to be legitimately about the studies, and basketball is secondary. Sounds like St Joe's is assuming this is about basketball when it actually is a secondary concern.

[real fan]

Major problem I have is he should be treated the same as all the other players that have been ok"d to play because of this rule, it should not come down to a coach that obviously has something personal against this kid, if he wanted to transfer to a BCS school things would be different, because St.Joe"s doesn"t offer his program it is a no brainer.

[Beninator]

Major problem I have is he should be treated the same as all the other players that have been ok"d to play because of this rule, it should not come down to a coach that obviously has something personal against this kid, if he wanted to transfer to a BCS school things would be different, because St.Joe"s doesn"t offer his program it is a no brainer.

I agree. We will probably never know the entire story, but the kid has earned a degree and should have the eligibility to play wherever he wants providing it is not against a rival.

[bu fan 9]

If they don't offer offer the program he wants to study don't go there.

[cpacmel]

If they don't offer offer the program he wants to study don't go there.

St. Joes doesn't offer the GRADUATE program he wants to study. He already has his undergraduate degree.

Scholarships are only one year deals, that can be renewed or not renewed for any reason.

St. Joe's looks really bad here. Sign off on the transfer! It's pretty simple.

[TheGuy]

Maybe he should have replayed that NCAA commercial in front of the board where they say x amount of NCAA athletes plan on "going pro" in something other than sports.

The kid should be allowed to play for UAB unless they can show proof that the only reason for the transfer is for athletic purposes. There is likely more to the story, but his letter to SI at least shows his sincerity towards the academic side of the situation.

[bu fan 9]

He knew that 4 years ago when he chose that school. He should of went someplace else. No way I let him out or anyone else.

[TheGuy]

He knew that 4 years ago when he chose that school. He should of went someplace else. No way I let him out or anyone else.

Don't be ridiculous. You really think most high school kids are set in what they want to do with their life/career? How many times do kids change majors in college?

[OrangeandBlack74]

I agree with St Joe's thats a bad rule. You play where you got your degree from or you don't play D1 basketball period.

This point of view is sheer nonsense! He has completed his undergraduate degree, and wants to pursue a graduate degree in a field of study that St Joseph's doesn't offer. How much more clear-cut does it need to be for you?

Wonder what would happen if the shoe was on the other foot? The St Joe's administration needs to take their collective heads out of the sand and do the right thing!

[cpacmel]

He knew that 4 years ago when he chose that school. He should of went someplace else. No way I let him out or anyone else.

Are you serious? When he choose St. Joes 4 years ago, maybe he had no intention of going to grad school. And now he does. Kid should not be penalized for that. The job market might have something to do with his decision now too. Regardless, last time I checked this was a free country we were living in. When word of this gets out, it will hurt St. Joe's and their recruiting. You better believe it will be used against them.

[bu fan 9]

It's clear cut you are not getting your release.

[Beninator]

Are you serious? When he choose St. Joes 4 years ago, maybe he had no intention of going to grad school. And now he does. Kid should not be penalized for that. The job market might have something to do with his decision now too. Regardless, last time I checked this was a free country we were living in. When word of this gets out, it will hurt St. Joe's and their recruiting. You better believe it will be used against them.

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