Robert Walker is out for 09

[zephyr]

_ Apparently his second ACT score was questionable because of the large jump in score from the original test. Score was flagged, he retested, score came in lower than qualifying and the NCAA threw out the second(passing) test. _

Which is understandable but my question to Cajun T was, Aren't you supposed to be completely cleared by the NCAA clearinghouse before you participate. They flagged this second attempt way back in the recruiting process. It just seems like pitiful timing to do this after he has already begun to practice and prepare for the season. I would have thought that if it was a big deal to the NCAA, they would have flagged him earlier such as Undre Sails last year.

[BeauCajun]

_ Which is understandable but my question to Cajun T was, Aren't you supposed to be completely cleared by the NCAA clearinghouse before you participate. They flagged this second attempt way back in the recruiting process. It just seems like pitiful timing to do this after he has already begun to practice and prepare for the season. I would have thought that if it was a big deal to the NCAA, they would have flagged him earlier such as Undre Sails last year. _

Taking a guess, I would think the reason it was so late was that the last ACT testing date to submit scores for eligibility is in June. They gave him until that time to get a passing score. By the time the scores are returned in July by ACT then submitted to the clearinghouse, that takes some time. I wouldn't think that they would throw out the passing score until he was given every opportunity to pass.

Normally those recruits such as the 2 or 3 at Louisiana State that could not report, had never passed the test. Not trying to single out La. St., just that their players were in the news a couple of weeks back.

[CajunT]

_ Which is understandable but my question to Cajun T was, Aren't you supposed to be completely cleared by the NCAA clearinghouse before you participate. They flagged this second attempt way back in the recruiting process. It just seems like pitiful timing to do this after he has already begun to practice and prepare for the season. I would have thought that if it was a big deal to the NCAA, they would have flagged him earlier such as Undre Sails last year. _

My understanding of Clearhouse standards is that they have until the first official day of class to review an athletes eligibility. If the Clearinghouse does not make a final determination before that date, then the athlete can no longer practice. The univeristy was given notice that his test was under review and he was allowed to practice until the final decision is rendered.

Now its entirely different for an athlete that does not score high enough on the ACT or may be short on his core and has to attend summer school. Until that athlete has attained the standards for eligibility, he cannot dress out. (Jewell Ratliff)

Sails could not practice because one of his final grades had not been released by a professor in JC. The university compliance office could clear his transcripts.

BTW, what has happen to Robert Walker is not uncommon. It has happen to several athletes in the past for the Cajuns.

[Cajunsmike]

_ My understanding of Clearhouse standards is that they have until the first official day of class to review an athletes eligibility. If the Clearinghouse does not make a final determination before that date, then the athlete can no longer practice. The univeristy was given notice that his test was under review and he was allowed to practice until the final decision is rendered.

Now its entirely different for an athlete that does not score high enough on the ACT or may be short on his core and has to attend summer school. Until that athlete has attained the standards for eligibility, he cannot dress out. (Jewell Ratliff)

Sails could not practice because one of his final grades had not been released by a professor in JC. The university compliance office could clear his transcripts.

BTW, what has happen to Robert Walker is not uncommon. It has happen to several athletes in the past for the Cajuns. _

I am confused by the comment "he is a recruitable athlete". If he is not eligible here, he should not be eligible anywhere. Is that correct or am I missing something. I presume he could go to JC or pay his own way to school somewhere. From the comment, he will not enroll, I gather he can't afford to pay his own way. My guess is that he spends the rest of the fall preparing for and taking another crack at the ACT. If he is successful, he could be on scholarship in the spring semester.

[Parrott]

If he's not eligible here, he would not be eligible right now at any other NCAA school. (He could go to an NAIA school or junior college, but that wouldn't make much sense.)

My guess is that Walker sits out the fall, tries to get his ACT score and enrolls at UL in the spring.

[CajunT]

_ I am confused by the comment "he is a recruitable athlete". If he is not eligible here, he should not be eligible anywhere. Is that correct or am I missing something. I presume he could go to JC or pay his own way to school somewhere. From the comment, he will not enroll, I gather he can't afford to pay his own way. My guess is that he spends the rest of the fall preparing for and taking another crack at the ACT. If he is successful, he could be on scholarship in the spring semester. _

Mike, it means he can sign with another program in the spring because he is not enrolled and not on scholarship at UL. It is no different then Melvin White, Jaron Odom or Cox did when they did not qualify.

[Parrott]

Enjoy!

The story

[Pirogue]

His jump was HUGE... I kinda expected this news.
I hope he does well...
He's a special talent.

[Parrott]

It's definitely a tough situation for Walker. But he has the right attitude. Thursday's story will have comments from him.

[ulforlife]

what a bummer, this dude could have played as a freshman... he'll be back! good luck robert!