Expert: Thom Brooks - 12/12/2009

Question
  HI!!! So I have a question about college football eligibility. So my college football career ended due to a knee injury that was never fixed from the college that I played for. I started going to college full-time for a year before I played my freshman year at Yuba community college, where I actually played in about 3 games. I then broke my collarbone a week before my Sophomore season there and i was granted a Medical Redshirt. During that offseason, I tore my ACL in April and continued to practice on it because I didn't know what was wrong with it. However, in August of that year the Junior College, mostly the trainer, said I wasn't covered by the insurance policy of the school and my knee was never fixed. So I unwillingly stopped playing football due to an injury.
  In regards to my eligibility, My “TRUE” freshman year was lost to being fully enrolled in college classes. So my freshman year of playing football was the 2003-2004 season. I broke my collarbone the week before the 2004-2005 season and received a “medical redshirt”. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL and never received the insurance coverage from the school, plus I didn't have my own insurance, and basically couldn't play football again.
  I am 27 now and I recently got my knee fixed last January. I stayed in school and received two Bachelors in History and Spanish and even had the opportunity of studying abroad in Spain.

  My question: I lost my remaining three years of eligibility didn't I? I know that probably is the reality but I have just been thinking about it is all. I was a full-time student the whole time after my injury. I cant get some type of hardship due to a career ending injury that was out of my hands as far as getting it fixed? I mean I wanted to play again I just got screwed by the school.

Thanks for your time
Jacob

Answer
Jacob, hello!


Congratulations on your educational accomplishments!  You have endured some serious injuries that clearly altered your football time.

You did lose your eligibility but I've heard of 6 year redshirts.  You need to talk to the college where you may want to play.  They will get your official records.  I have attached phone number and website for the NCAA.
They can advise if you have any waivers.  It would seem fair to allow you at least 2 years of playing time.  

If you are injury prone, the bigger colleges may not take a chance on you unless you're physically cleared.  Your age may be a factor for some teams to want you.  With those obstacles, you need to be able to show the coaches that you have the Leadership that age/experience brings.  If you tolerate pain (the way you have in the past) if may be a positive to know that you could provide a calming effect on the younger men during a stressful game situation.  

If your skill and speed is not equal to the other players, then you would not likely get the starting time, but it would depend on which position you want to play.  

If the school and NCAA hear your story of any possible misrepresentation from the JUCO, you may get a waiver to be able to complete your dream!!



Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!




Take Care,

Thom Brooks
www.BrooksInsuranceSchool.com
Savannah Adult Baseball League

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