It's official: Elizee eligible
Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 11:41 amFrom the SMU athletic department:
Elizee Eligible For 2007 Season
NCAA Rules In Tackle's Favor
Elizee Eligible For 2007 Season
Aug. 24, 2007
DALLAS (SMU) - SMU defensive tackle Serge Elizee is eligible to play immediately, the NCAA ruled today. Elizee had transferred to SMU this summer after spending the spring semester at Minnesota. The 6-1, 300 lb. Miami native had spent the previous two seasons at the College of the Sequoias. Based on mitigating circumstances, SMU had submitted a waiver request on Elizee's behalf that would allow him to play in 2007 as opposed to sitting out the traditional one season specified by NCAA guidelines.
"I feel that we submitted a very compelling waiver to the NCAA on behalf of Mr. Elizee," said SMU's Associate A.D. for Compliance Jeff Konya. "It detailed several student-athlete welfare considerations unique to Mr. Elizee that warranted, in our estimation, relief from the traditional football transfer rules. It is apparent that the NCAA agreed with our arguments in their decision to grant the waiver. I am happy for Mr. Elizee and his family as this provides him flexibility in the pursuit of his academic and athletic goals at SMU."
"We're very happy that Serge is eligible to play this season," said SMU Coach Phil Bennett. "We thought it was the right thing to do and we appreciate the staff at Minnesota helping us do what we all thought was in Serge's best interest."
SMU opens its season on Monday, Sept. 3, with an ESPN-televised game at Ford Stadium against Texas Tech.
Elizee Eligible For 2007 Season
NCAA Rules In Tackle's Favor
Elizee Eligible For 2007 Season
Aug. 24, 2007
DALLAS (SMU) - SMU defensive tackle Serge Elizee is eligible to play immediately, the NCAA ruled today. Elizee had transferred to SMU this summer after spending the spring semester at Minnesota. The 6-1, 300 lb. Miami native had spent the previous two seasons at the College of the Sequoias. Based on mitigating circumstances, SMU had submitted a waiver request on Elizee's behalf that would allow him to play in 2007 as opposed to sitting out the traditional one season specified by NCAA guidelines.
"I feel that we submitted a very compelling waiver to the NCAA on behalf of Mr. Elizee," said SMU's Associate A.D. for Compliance Jeff Konya. "It detailed several student-athlete welfare considerations unique to Mr. Elizee that warranted, in our estimation, relief from the traditional football transfer rules. It is apparent that the NCAA agreed with our arguments in their decision to grant the waiver. I am happy for Mr. Elizee and his family as this provides him flexibility in the pursuit of his academic and athletic goals at SMU."
"We're very happy that Serge is eligible to play this season," said SMU Coach Phil Bennett. "We thought it was the right thing to do and we appreciate the staff at Minnesota helping us do what we all thought was in Serge's best interest."
SMU opens its season on Monday, Sept. 3, with an ESPN-televised game at Ford Stadium against Texas Tech.
