NCAA’s one-time transfer proposal could have unintended consequences, says TCU AD
TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati sees unintended consequences with the latest proposal by the NCAA.
College sports’ sanctioning body proposed a one-time transfer policy on Tuesday, which would allow players a chance to transfer once in their college career and compete immediately at their new school.
The new policy could be in place as early as next fall for the 2020-21 school year. The long-standing policy has been forcing players to sit out a full season with a “year-in-residence,” with the exception being graduate transfers.
It seems like common sense legislation, given the number of immediate eligibility waivers the NCAA grants these days.
TCU, for instance, spent a countless number of hours and manpower in securing immediate eligibility waivers for quarterback Matthew Baldwin and forward Jaedon LeDee this school year.
“I can certainly understand and appreciate the momentum behind the legislation for immediate eligibility,” Donati said, “but there are many potential unintended consequences that should be carefully considered.”
Among the primary concerns would be “walkathons” where a football program has 20 players transfer from the school. Or if a basketball team sees a number of players bolt for the NCAA transfer portal.
The school would have a difficult time replacing and rebuilding the roster in a short period.
Other concerns include APR retention and tampering.
As former football coach Mark Richt said on social media, “I know, I have an idea. You recruit and develop players and when I think they’re good enough I will poach them from your roster! Welcome to what the new normal will look like in college football!”
The NCAA would have guidelines on which players would be able to obtain immediate eligibility. Four benchmarks include: (1) receive a release from their previous school; (2) leave their previous school academically eligible; (3) maintain their academic progress at their new school; and (4) leave under no disciplinary suspension.
The one-time transfer proposal comes at a time when the NCAA is already on its way to allowing athlete compensation by allowing players to profit from their name, image and likeness.
