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St. Joe's refuses to release graduated player

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  • St. Joe's refuses to release graduated player



    A player who graduated from St. Joe's, but had a year of eligibility remaining checked with the NCAA multiple times and was told he was eligible to transfer to another school to get a post-graduate degree. He transferred to UAB. When St. Joe's filed their paperwork with the NCAA they checked the "Yes" box in response to the question of whether they had any objections, then gave no reason for the objection. That was enough that the NCAA denied his eligibility at UAB.

    Here's an interesting couple of paragraphs from the linked story:
    I met with Coach Martelli to inform him that I would not be returning. I had hoped he would be understanding; just a few weeks before, we had stood next to each other at graduation as my parents snapped photo. Unfortunately, he did not take it well. After calling me a few choice words, he informed me that he would make some calls so that I would be dropped from my summer class and would no longer graduate. He also said that he was going to sue me. When he asked if I still planned on leaving, I was at a loss for words. He calmed down a bit and said we should think this over then meet again in a few days. I left his office angry and worried he would make me drop the classes.

    A few days later I again met with Coach Martelli. This time I stopped by athletic director Don DiJulia's office beforehand to inform him of my decision. I told him I would be applying to grad schools elsewhere. He was very nice and understanding. He wished me the best of luck and said to keep in touch. Relieved that Mr. DiJulia had taken the news well, I went to Coach Martelli's office. I told him that my mind had not changed, and that I planned on enrolling in grad school elsewhere. I recall his words vividly: "Regardless of what the rule is I'll never release you. If you're not playing basketball at St. Joe's next year, you won't be playing anywhere."
    The future's so bright - I gotta wear shades.
    We like to cut down nets and get sized for championship rings.

  • #2
    Institutional slavery? Indentured servitude? You decide.
    “Losers Average Losers.” ― Paul Tudor Jones

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    • #3
      Originally posted by DUShock View Post
      Institutional slavery? Indentured servitude? You decide.
      Isolated and unusual instance = just a jerkwad coach = Martelli.

      OTOH, what great ammunition for opposing coaches to use against St. Joe's/Martelli in the recruiting wars. What goes around...

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      • #4
        He needs to go to ESPN with this story and any other media. The amount of bad press St Joe's would receive might change their minds.

        The NCAA sweeping this under the rug was cr*p also.

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        • #5
          What a jerk.
          ShockerHoops.net - A Wichita State Basketball Blog

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