The NCAA announced Thursday that it has reversed its decision on North Carolina wide receiver Devontez “Tez” Walker and will grant him a transfer waiver, making him eligible to play this season. In a statement, the NCAA cited “new information” regarding the change of course and blamed the Tar Heels for not providing the non-specific info before.
“It is unfortunate that UNC failed to provide this important information previously,” the statement from NCAA president Charlie Baker and Division I Board of Directors chair Jere Morehead said. “While we must be careful not to compromise a student-athlete’s right to privacy when it comes to sensitive issues, we want to assure the Division I membership and everyone watching how the new transfer rules are applied, that this meets the new transfer waiver standards."
The NCAA has deemed UNC receiver Tez Walker eligible after receiving new information from the school. pic.twitter.com/69lN1wBwGt
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 5, 2023
“UNC’s behavior and decision to wage a public relations campaign is inappropriate and outside the bounds of the process UNC’s own staff supported,” the statement continued. “Had the UNC staff not behaved in this fashion and submitted this information weeks ago, this entire unfortunate episode could have been avoided.”
The NCAA is likely referring to UNC’s swipe at the organization when it named Walker as the team’s honorary captain against Appalachian State earlier in the season despite his ineligibility. Coach Mack Brown also publicly ripped the NCAA for its decision.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been more disappointed in a person, group of people or institution than I am with the NCAA right now,” Brown said in a September statement. “Plain and simple, the NCAA has failed Tez and his family and I’ve lost all faith in its ability to lead and govern our sport.”
Statements from UNC HC Mack Brown and WR Tez Walker on Walker being ruled eligible immediately 🐏#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/0YaEU1lmNF
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 5, 2023
Walker is a second-time transfer, and as a result, needs a waiver to play because he hasn’t graduated. The junior started his college career at North Carolina Central in 2020 but transferred to Kent State after one season. He transferred to UNC in 2023 after he was named first-team All-MAC in 2022 and can now make his debut Saturday against Syracuse.
“I can’t wait to put on that jersey, run out of the tunnel, and play in Kenan Stadium,” Walker said in a statement after the announcement. “I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time and now it will be a reality. See everyone on Saturday.”
After the NCAA issued its release, UNC clapped back with a response as the war of words continued.
Update on the Tez Walker situation. pic.twitter.com/w6g7o41Ebj
— Bubba Cunningham (@BubbaUNC) October 5, 2023
“The justification provided by the NCAA today is not accurate,” UNC director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “The University submitted all necessary information and documentation as it was made available to use at the time and we still believe Tez met all standards for the waiver in early August.”
Finally, UNC shared a video on social media of Walker getting the good news.
The moment @DevontezWalker found out he’s eligible 💙🐏#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/DQLjUx6Dm5
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 5, 2023
