NCAA
Gives Thumbs Down on Willie Simmons, Four Other FAMU Football
Transfers
August 11, 2003
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The
NCAA has informed Florida A&M
University that five major college transfers,
including former Clemson quarterback Willie Simmons, would
not be eligible for play in 2003.
Florida A&M, whose application for Division 1-A status in football was
approved by the NCAA July 21, lost waiver appeals on the five players
because
they had not established the required one year of residency (i.e. - sitting
out
one year).
FAMU Interim Athletic Director Dr. J.R.E. Lee, III commented Monday
evening, saying: "While we had success in obtaining waivers for some
players,
unfortunately, we were denied on five others. Four of those five players
will be
eligible for play in 2004."
Simmons, a native of nearby Quincy, Fla., who started eight games last
season for the Tigers and holds a degree in Marketing from Clemson, will not
have any remaining eligibility beyond 2003.
Waivers were also denied on Josh Driscoll (Fort Smith, Ark.), a
transfer
quarterback from Arkansas State; J.R. Mounts (Key West, Fla.), a transfer
running back from the University of Miami; Ronnie Thomas (Quincy, Fla.), a
wide
receiver from Clemson and Dexter Wallace (Williston, Fla.), a defensive
lineman
from Bowling Green.
Assistant AD for Compliance Jonathan Evans commented Monday evening: "I
was happy for the players whose waivers were approved and of course it goes
without saying that we are disappointed for the players who were denied.
"I will receive official written notification in a week to 10 days and
I, along with the university administration will evaluate the decision to
see
if an appeal to the NCAA Administrative Review Subcommittee is warranted,"
Evans said.
Meanwhile, four other players were cleared for play this season,
including Tampa linebacker Chris Buie (Virginia Tech) and Bradenton
defensive back
Julius Ware (Indiana), who are in camp.
The two remaining players whose waivers were approved have transferred
to other Division 1-AA programs - Charles Simpson to Bethune-Cookman and Rod Olds to Jacksonville (Ala.) State.
