NCAA rules Mississippi QB Jeremiah Masoli not eligible until 2011, school plans appeal

NCAA denies Masoli’s waiver to play in 2010

JACKSON, Miss. — The NCAA has denied Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli’s request for a waiver that would allow him to play immediately, meaning the former Oregon standout won’t be eligible until 2011.

Mississippi officials announced Tuesday plans to appeal the ruling, with a response expected in less than one week.

“I’m just shocked and disappointed,” Masoli said. “I’ve done everything I can to follow the rules.”

Mississippi athletic director Pete Boone said the decision was “subjective” and expected a successful appeal.

“There is no question in my mind Jeremiah is in the right place,” Mississippi coach Houston Nutt said. “We’re in the people-helping business. I want to plead with that subcommittee. He’s done nothing but what he’s supposed to do.”

Masoli transferred to Mississippi after being kicked off Oregon’s team after two run-ins with police.

He pleaded guilty in a January theft at a fraternity house and was suspended for the entire 2010 season by Oregon coach Chip Kelly. Then in June, he was cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession and dismissed and kicked off the squad.

The senior had already completed his undergraduate degree at Oregon, and enrolled in Mississippi’s Parks and Recreation graduate program. The NCAA will sometimes waive a one-year residency requirement for athletes who are transferring, but enrolling in a graduate program not offered at the previous school.

In a press release, the NCAA said Masoli’s request violated the intent of the waiver: “The waiver exists to provide relief to student-athletes who transfer for academic reasons to pursue graduate studies, not to avoid disciplinary measures at the previous university.”

Nutt said the NCAA should take into account that Masoli was only kicked off the football team, not the university.

“He was not dismissed from the university,” Nutt said. “He was dismissed from the team. I’ve had players that I dismissed. I want them to go play for somebody else. I want them to learn from their mistakes.”

Masoli was expected to compete for the starting spot at Mississippi after leading Oregon to the Rose Bowl last season. He accounted for 51 touchdowns for the Ducks over two seasons.

Now the Rebels are down to two scholarship quarterbacks — sophomore Nathan Stanley, who is the likely starter, and junior college transfer Randall Mackey.

Stanley played in five games last season, completing 11 of 23 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Masoli’s loss is a big blow for the Rebels, who open the season at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday against Jacksonville State in Oxford.

Masoli has not used his redshirt season, so he’ll be allowed to practice while sitting out this fall and be eligible for competition in 2011.

Masoli hopes that’s not necessary.

“I’m very hopeful the NCAA will do the right thing in my case,” Masoli said. “I still have faith.”