In a shocking turn of events, the NCAA has displayed some benevolence. And (gasp!) some common sense. For once.
A little bit of a kerfuffle arose back in May of 2014 when it was reported that the NCAA would not allow Boise State to provide assistance to Antoine Turner, a Broncos defensive tackle who was essentially homeless when not enrolled in classes. The Association reversed course a short time later, ruling that BSU could “provide immediate assistance to [the] football student-athlete.”
Turner went on to play in 13 games in the 2014 season. Shortly before the start of the 2015 season, however, a potential eligibility issue in regards to Turner was discovered and the player sat out the year while the situation was investigated. Just what the specific eligibility issue was that caused the probe wasn’t detailed.
That investigation found that, because of what was described only as a “transfer eligibility matter stemming from his time in junior college,” Turner never should have been eligible to play in that 2014 season. However, because there was, as determined by the NCAA, no way for BSU to have prior knowledge of the issue, The Association decided that the university would face no sanctions, including no forfeiture of games in which Turner played.
Turner, though, was “rendered permanently ineligible” by the NCAA.
That said, Turner remains on scholarship and is expected to graduate from Boise in the summer of this year. He also took part in Boise’s Pro Day this past week.