Twitter users scold NCAA after Auburn walk-on ruled ineligible
Auburn preferred walk-on C.J. Harris was ruled ineligible by the NCAA after Auburn coaches discovered he used cannabis oil to fight epilepsy.
Cannabis oil is the only thing that keeps Harris’ seizures at bay, and now, it appears his dream of playing college football is in serious jeopardy.
NCAA athletes aren’t permitted to have any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their systems, and cannabis oil has less than 0.3 percent. Even at that minimal level, Harris wouldn’t be able to pass an NCAA drug test. Auburn coaches’ hands were tied in having to make the decision about Harris.
While Harris is looking into JUCO and NAIA programs, it’s likely he’ll need to find a new medicine or give up football altogether.
Following the news, media and fans took the opportunity to hammer the NCAA via Twitter:
Life isn't fair, but you know what happens when that's the case in situations in which human beings are hurting? We're compassionate. NCAA needs to do the right thing here. https://t.co/BgpF7tnn4H
— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) May 24, 2018
This is a horrible look, @NCAA. As somebody with epilepsy, this infuriates me to no end. A) you look for anything to make the seizures go away and B) make you feel normal. https://t.co/6nSQ1FOUsS
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) May 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/D_Saucinho/status/999786530863542272
@NCAA Your decision regarding Auburn player CJ Harris is a testament to your short sighted policies that are only affected by your financial bottom line. Way to perpetuate that Big Business persona and take a young man's joy.
— Travis Williams (@bigoman81) May 25, 2018
Is the @NCAA for real?! You're not going to let CJ harris fulfill his dream to play at @AuburnU because of a tiny dose of medicine he uses to cure his EPILEPSY?! This kid puts a drop, A DAMN DROP on his tongue to he wont DIE FROM SEIZURES and you revoke his eligibility?! #FU
— Reid Stillman (@reidstillman) May 25, 2018
The CJ Harris situation is absurd, even by NCAA standards. What exactly is the slippery slope here? I'll hang up and listen….
— Michael Calabrese (@EastBreese) May 25, 2018
I don't believe CJ Harris has a twitter or else I'd mention him in this, but he should absolutely sue the crooks at the @NCAA for his eligibility. He shouldn't have to play football at a junior college because he has seizures. This is horrific.
— Nathan Deal (@NattyD13) May 25, 2018
sorry guys, this CJ Harris story has me beside myself! The kid has done everything asked of him, yet the @NCAA doesn't care and shows zero compassion! If you are not familiar with the story, look it up and you will see why it is heart breaking! Be better NCAA!!!!!!!
— #WarDamnSoftball (@WarDamnSoftball) May 25, 2018
Hey CJ Harris of Auburn – please contact me directly. I’m willing to help fund a lawsuit against the @NCAA – @AuburnU and @AuburnPrez should jump on board too. #doTheRightThing #ifThisWasYourSon
— Rob Shuler (@RobShuler1) May 25, 2018
CJ Harris ruled ineligible by the NCAA for using cannabis oil as a treatment for epilepsy. Truly an awful look for the NCAA but what's new? https://t.co/CsrxuLHP82
— Justin Michael (@JustinTMichael) May 24, 2018