Center Kai Maiava has been the rock of not only the offensive line this season, but of UCLA’s offense as a whole.
Unfortunately for the Bruins, that rock will not be on the field when UCLA takes on Temple in the EagleBank Bowl Dec. 29.
According to the Los Angeles Daily News, both the sophomore lineman and freshman wide receiver Morrell Presley have been declared academically ineligible for the Bruins’ bowl game. The loss of Maiava should not be understated according to his teammates.
“It’s tough – I don’t think anybody’s taking it harder than he is,” starting quarterback Kevin Prince said. “He apologized to the team on Saturday, and it’s a blow to not only the offense but the whole team. He’s the leader of that offensive line – he brings that fire and passion that I think helped the line play a lot better this year. I know he’ll be punching himself for not being in the game.”
Maiava will be replaced in the starting lineup by Jake Dean.
Blah, blah, blah – Maiava is a lazy slug.
No matter how good the player is – in college football – classroom performance matters.
I managed a 3.66 in passing 6 classes during fall semester while working full time. I know this kid didn’t take nearly that kind of load during the season so what is his problem other than he’s just plain lazy.
Prima donna football players get all the breaks in college while being coddled and pampered instead of going out there and taking care of business like the rest of us “regular” students. If Maiava made even 1/2 the effort toward his classes he makes on the field there would be no problem.
The nearest mirror will reveal to Maiava who is to blame for him not playing in the bowl game and who is the one that let his teammates down.