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Justin Fields is likely going to start for Ohio State at quarterback this season after failing to crack the starting lineup at Georgia and bolting Kirby Smart’s program. Luke Ford would have probably been a backup tight end next season for Illinois and he too left Athens this offseason but at least he had an understandable reason for doing so.
In the NCAA’s eyes, that apparently didn’t matter as Ford announced on Wednesday his hardship waiver to play next season at Illinois has been denied. Ford spent one season in Athens but was seeking to return to his home state closer to an ailing grandparent while still being able to play immediately for Lovie Smith’s program.
So much for that.
This news follows the NCAA’s decision to deny a waiver to Coastal Carolina offensive lineman Brock Hoffman, who left Virginia Tech to be closer to his mom. This mother recently had surgery to remove a brain tumor.
This is just the latest head-scratching decision by the NCAA and the message seems to be clear, every player seeking a waiver would be wise to lawyer up.
My Waiver got denied… Thanks for all your support? It’s all in the Lord’s timing??
— Luke Ford (@lukeford82) April 24, 2019
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
