MTSU Football: Marine Sgt Rhodes to compete immediately

Here's the official response by the NCAA....

As a part of its continued review of Steven Rhodes’ eligibility, NCAA staff determined he may play immediately. Additionally, he will maintain all four years of his eligibility.

Throughout this process, NCAA staff worked closely with Middle Tennessee State University, and we appreciate the school’s partnership.

As a part of the ongoing review of NCAA rules, our members will examine the organized competition rules, especially as it impacts those returning from military service.

We thank Steven for his service to our country and wish him the best as he begins college.

— Kevin Lennon, vice president of academic and membership affairs

NCAA Reverses course: Marine Veteran can play football

The wordmark and logo for Middle Tennessee State University. This logo has replaced Image:Mtsu old logo.jpg. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A bunch of bumbling buffoons, this is a clown show, there is no excuse for this... The person at the NCAA that made this decision should be fired immediately and sent home in disgrace. I am for veterans rights and he served his country with honor and nothing he did in the service should do anything to jeopardize his eligibility. I am sick and tired of this organization.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) -- The NCAA has ruled that a Middle Tennessee football player who spent five years in the Marines will be allowed to compete this fall and that he will have four years of eligibility remaining.

It's a reversal from the NCAA's earlier decision to rule Steven Rhodes was ineligible because he played in a recreational league during his military service. School officials had said earlier Monday that they were working with NCAA officials to come up with a solution.

"This is exciting news for Steven and Middle Tennessee State University," school President Sidney McPhee said in a statement. "We express our gratitude to the NCAA for reviewing this situation and granting Steven the ability to play this fall. We are hopeful that the NCAA will look at the bylaws regarding all individuals who serve in the military before becoming a student-athlete."

Late Monday afternoon, the NCAA issued a news release saying Rhodes could play immediately and member schools would continue to re-examine the competition rules, especially as it impacts those returning from military service. Rhodes has been practicing at both tight end and defensive end

The NCAA ruled freshman Steven Rhodes can "play immediately" for MTSU after serving 5 years in the Marines http://t.co/Q3aQ0F02wa
— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) August 19, 2013

Related articles

• CFT: NCAA comes around, grants MTSU player immediate eligibility (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
• NCAA: Former Marine Rhodes may play in 2013 (cbssports.com)
• NCAA declares U.S. Marine Steven Rhodes immediately eligible (tracking.si.com)