Quite possibly the best freshman in the country has been cleared to play today. A couple weeks ago Shabazz Muhammad was ruled ineligible by the NCAA. He was under investigation for accepting travel and lodge from several programs. The UCLA Bruins won an appeal under the condition that Muhammad pay back $1,600 in improper benefits and miss 10% of the season; which he already has by missing the first three games.
The NCAA released a statement:
"The NCAA and UCLA have resolved the eligibility case of Shabazz Muhammad. UCLA acknowledged amateurism violations occurred and asked the NCAA on Friday afternoon to reinstate Muhammad. The university required the student-athlete to miss 10 percent of the season (three games) and repay approximately $1,600 in impermissible benefits. The NCAA agreed the actions taken by the university were sufficient. Because Muhammad has already sat out three games, he is now eligible to compete.
According to the facts of the case, which were agreed upon by the university and the NCAA staff, Muhammad accepted travel and lodging during unofficial visits to member schools. NCAA rules, which member schools create, state that student-athletes cannot receive benefits based on their athletic ability. NCAA amateurism rules are in place so that when student-athletes step onto the court, they are competing against other student-athletes who have met the same standards.
When a school discovers an NCAA rules violation has occurred, it must declare the student-athlete ineligible and may request the student-athlete’s eligibility be reinstated. The NCAA staff reviews each student-athlete reinstatement request individually based on its own merits and set of specific facts."
Shabazz will suit up and help the Bruins beat Georgetown on Monday, Nov. 19.
[via SB Nation]
