PITTSBORO, Miss. — In saying ''the NCAA ignored its own rules,'' a Mississippi judge granted Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction Thursday against college athletics' governing body, allowing him to receive an extra year of eligibility so he can play next season.
The NCAA denied Chambliss' waiver request Jan. 9, and after Chambliss appealed, the organization's Athletics Eligibility Subcommittee upheld the denial on Feb. 4.
Judge Robert Whitwell took about 90 minutes to explain his decision that he agreed with Chambliss' argument that the player's medical history was not properly considered by the NCAA. The 23-year-old Chambliss has been in college for five years, but was healthy enough to play just three years.
''We appreciate the thoughtful consideration given to this matter and for the court's recognition of the circumstances surrounding Trinidad's case,'' Ole Miss' athletic department said in a statement. "We believe this outcome affirms what we have maintained throughout this process that Trinidad deserves the opportunity to compete and complete his collegiate career on the field.
''Trinidad has demonstrated tremendous perseverance, character and commitment to his teammates, this university and college football.''
Whitwell said Chambliss would have received ''irreparable harm'' had the NCAA's ruling been upheld, but that the organization will not be damaged by allowing him to play.
Chambliss and Ole Miss submitted nearly 91 pages to the NCAA to document how medical issues prevented him from playing two years, the judge said. The NCAA, the judge said, didn't properly take those records into account and denied the waiver request ''on pure semantics.''
''Trinidad Chambliss has demonstrated based on the evidence presented that he is entitled to an additional year at the University of Mississippi,'' Whitwell said. ''The NCAA has failed in its argument to withhold that right.''
