It was announced on Thursday that the NCAA had deemed North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker ineligible for the 2023 college football season.
Walker had transferred twice in his college career, but that includes a 2020 season that was canceled due to the pandemic. It was thought the NCAA would see that as something to be allowed.
It’s a decision that was met with a lot of negative reactions, including that of UNC head coach Mack Brown.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been more disappointed in a person, a group of people or an institution than I am with the NCAA right now,” said Brown in a statement. “It’s clear that the NCAA … couldn’t care less about the young people it’s supposed to be supporting.
“I’ve lost all faith in its ability to lead and govern the sport. They’ve messed so many things up as it relates to college football and now their failures have negatively impacted the life of one of our own.
“The decision-makers at the NCAA & the committee should be ashamed of themselves for doing this to a young man. We’ve got complete rosters overhauled through transfer portal, players playing in their 8th year of college, at their 4th school. Yet, Tez Walker, who only played football at one school, isn’t eligible. It makes no sense and never will. Shame on you, NCAA. SHAME ON YOU!”
Brown wasn’t the only person in the college football community to complain about the decision. Many people in the college football community shared their thoughts on the announcement as well.
This might be the most pointed statement I have ever seen from a head coach. https://t.co/KbwAcoG3br
— Adam Lucas (@jadamlucas) September 7, 2023
Wow. Pretty unbelievable that North Carolina WR Tez Walker couldn't get a waiver from the NCAA.
Not at all surprised that Mack Brown is going scorched earth here. It's deserved. https://t.co/AWy3gBheww
— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 7, 2023
Genuinely ridiculous. How is this benefitting anyone? https://t.co/93for3DoLy
— 💫🅰️♈️🆔 (@ADavidHaleJoint) September 7, 2023
Play him anyway https://t.co/gF3iLTpR3G
— Jason Kirk (buy my novel) (@JasonKirk_fyi) September 7, 2023
My heart hurts for Tez Walker.
He went home for his ailing grandma. He transferred a month before the NCAA even implemented this 2x transfer rule. And he’s only played ball at ONE school.
He’s done everything right. Don’t know how those who made this ruling sleep well at night. https://t.co/PrhVpZ1gbK
— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) September 7, 2023
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.