NCAA reverses decision; Masoli to play for Ole Miss in 2010
Oxford, MS (Sports Network) - Former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli will be able to play for the Ole Miss Rebels this season after the NCAA overturned a previous decision that stated the signal-caller must sit out a year.
Masoli enrolled in Mississippi's graduate program earlier this month in hopes of being a walk-on this fall. He did not have to sit out a year per NCAA transfer rules because he already has obtained his undergraduate degree.
According to NCAA rules, Masoli had to receive a waiver to play for a school other than Oregon, since he received his undergraduate degree there.
"I want to thank the NCAA committee for its decision," Masoli said on his personal website. "And a huge thank you to (Ole Miss head coach Houston) Nutt and Ole Miss for standing by me...Now, let's play some football!"
A two-year starting quarterback for the Ducks, Masoli pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary in March and was later dismissed from the team. He had already been suspended for the 2010 season by Oregon.
Masoli is coming off a standout season in which he led the Ducks to the Rose Bowl and threw for 2,147 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for another 668 yards and 13 scores.
"We would like to thank the NCAA staff and subcommittee for approaching this case and all of its details with diligence and fairness," said Ole Miss director of athletics Pete Boone.
Ole Miss opens its 2010 season at home against Jacksonville State on Saturday.
