The news that preseason First Team All-ACC Devontez Walker was ruled ineligible created a firestorm.
When it came out that Tez Walker was not granted a waiver for eligibility, many were outraged. He did everything the right way, and the rule that made him ineligible was put in place two days AFTER he joined the Tar Heels. We covered what happened here.
With this news, many in the media and even a Governor getting involved. People with power are asking for him to be able to play this fall.
Social Media Firestorm
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper sent a letter to the NCAA Commisioner, asking for him to reverse the decision. Cooper tweeted, “Today, Gov. Cooper sent a letter to the NCAA President to grant Tez Walker’s transfer waiver. Nothing could be bigger or more important to Tez than the opportunity to get a fine university education at UNC and to compete in front of his family in Carolina Blue.” Cooper went to North Carolina and surely wants the best for the student athlete involved.
Later on, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin tweeted a link to an article about Walker, showing that it was gaining national attention.
ESPN writer Pete Thamel called the situation an “ugly look for the NCAA.” Jay Bilas, one of ESPN’s best college basketball commentators and former Duke star, called the ruling “unjustifiable…”
With the case blowing up and gaining traction all over, it puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the NCAA to make their final ruling. The season is quickly approaching, and a final verdict on the appeal must be made swiftly. Either way, the NCAA has made itself look bad again.
Free Tez!
Thank you for reading CarolinaHQ. Please follow us on Twitter at @TheCarolinaHQ and our Facebook group for the latest news and stories about the Tar Heels. For feedback, questions, concerns or to apply for a writing position, please email us at thecarolinahq@gmail.com or direct message us on Twitter at @TheCarolinaHQ. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the fastest-growing North Carolina sports sites. We cover all sports and would love to have you read and be interested in our content!
