And just like that, the NCAA has ruled Kanter ineligible, claiming he was paid $33,033 over his expenses.
UK is appealing the decision, but that rarely works. This wasn't some quick decision they have made. They made it and now will likely stick with it. Without Kanter we are still a top 15 team and this is a rebuidling year for next year.
Life in UK land remains much better then it has been since the late 90's, so although this is a bad day for UK, let's stay in perspective.
"Kanter played three seasons with the Turkish sport club Fenerbahce from 2006-07 to 2008-09. Although he competed primarily for the club’s under-18 junior team, he did compete on the club’s senior team in 2008-09. According to facts agreed to by the university and the NCAA Eligibility Center, Kanter received $33,033 more than his expenses for the 2008-09 season.
The new NCAA rule that allows prospective student-athletes to compete on teams with professionals while maintaining their amateur status prior to college applies; however, the bylaw states any such benefits cannot exceed actual and necessary expenses, which was the case here.
“Enes took advantage of an opportunity to play at the highest level available to him, but the consequences of receiving payments above his actual expenses is not compatible with the collegiate model of sports that our members have developed,” said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president of academic and membership affairs."
Read the rest here: http://www.ncaa.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/111110aab.html
Can he play for Kentucky in the 2011-2012 season or will he go over seas?
ReplyDeletewow this is a huge blow to us for a chance to win a national title.
ReplyDeleteHe has been deemed ineligible from college, meaning unless he wins an appeal he will never play college basketball.
ReplyDeleteThis is a huge blow, but there is still no reason to put a limit on this team or take them out of the picture for the national championship. There are many teams that have either won or taken 2nd place in the tourney without a legitimate post threat. Even Cal made it to the finals with Joey Dorsey. There is still a tremendous amount of talent on this team. I just hope they dont try and make Terrance Jones a low post player because he will clearly be one of the 2 biggest threats on this team and needs to play in the style he was born for, which is versatility.
ReplyDeleteThere is a rumor going around that if he pays the money back he will be able to play. Can anyone put some truth to this.
ReplyDeleteHe has already offered this to the NCAA and they said no because of it being so much. They will try to argue during the appeals process that $20,000 of that was for education (private tutors).
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