The Tez Walker story has been one of the most riveting and heart wrenching storylines of the college football season.
It's a saga that has seen the NCAA publicly defend their stance, and Mack Brown has very publicly called out the hypocrisy of the NCAA following their final appeal of the process.
Well today, another chapter in that drama unfolded, as the NCAA announced Tez Walker as eligible to play immediately.
The NCAA statement on the latest decision pointed the blame back at UNC while whining about the criticism directed at them:
"It is unfortunate that UNC failed to provide this important information previously. While we must be careful not to compromise a student-athlete's right to privacy when it comes to sensitive issues, we want to assure the Division I membership and everyone watching how the new transfer rules are applied, that this meets the new transfer waiver standards. UNC's behavior and decision to wage a public relations campaign is inappropriate and outside the bounds of the process UNC's own staff supported. Had the UNC staff not behaved in this fashion and submitted this information weeks ago, this entire unfortunate episode could have been avoided."
Smartly, UNC cameras were in Mack Browns office for the emotional moment the news was shared by Brown and assistant head coach / pass game coordinator / receivers coach Lonnie Galloway.
It's a touching end to a story that the NCAA should have gotten right in the first place, and we're all looking forward to see Tez suit up for the Tar Heels with home games against Syracuse and Miami on tap the next two weeks.
The moment @DevontezWalker found out he’s eligible 💙🐏#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/DQLjUx6Dm5
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 5, 2023
Update >> UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham pushed back on the NCAA's statement, sharing in a release of his own:
"We are happy that Tez Walker is now eligbile to play and enjoy doing what he loves to do. However, the justification provided by the NCAA today is not accurate. The University submitted all necessary information and documentation as it was made avilable to us at the time, and we still believe Tez met all standards for the waiver in early August. It is not clear why the NCAA delayed making the correct decision then, but we are pleased to get the appropriate resolution now."