SEC approves a handful of intraconference transfer waivers due to ‘unique circumstances’
The SEC approved a number of transfer waivers Wednesday in a break from its usual protocol, the conference announced in a statement.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced that exceptions would be made to the long-standing SEC bylaw that requires intraconference transfers to sit out a year before gaining eligibility in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and eligibility relief provided by the NCAA. He also said the SEC will revisit its current stance “in the most timely manner possible.”
“It must be stated unequivocally that these approvals are solely a reflection of the unique circumstances present and should not be interpreted as endorsement of the rationale set forth by individuals seeking these waivers,” Sankey said in a statement. “These are unprecedented times in which decisions about eligibility and competitive opportunities demand consideration of the current challenges facing our student-athletes and schools as a result of COVID-19.
“In a non-COVID environment there may have been a different outcome for some of the waiver requests determined today.”
Kentucky quarterback Joey Gatewood and Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays gained eligibility with the SEC’s decision after transferring from Auburn and Georgia, respectively.
Ole Miss defensive back Otis Reese, who transferred from Georgia, was still waiting as of Wednesday night to receive an NCAA waiver to play this season for the Rebels. He falls under the SEC ruling, but requires an NCAA waiver.
Gatewood and Mays already had received NCAA waivers.
Sankey indicated that SEC schools “have been clear in the past that they oppose immediate eligibility for intraconference waivers.” But the commissioner also said the conference will re-evaluate that rule given the number of requests this year and “a changing national landscape related to student-athlete transfer issues.”
“It is evident that the current transfer bylaw must undergo a thorough review by Conference membership in the most timely manner possible and prior to the 2021-22 academic year,” Sankey said.
SEC bylaw 14.5.5.1 states that intraconference transfers must spend two semesters at their new school before playing unless they are a graduate transfer, the SEC school they departed is serving a postseason ban or the transferring athlete receives a waiver from the SEC, if that athlete’s circumstances fall within a specific set of parameters.
The current rule was amended in 2018, when the SEC presidents and chancellors voted to create the aforementioned immediate eligibility exceptions.
Sankey said on Sept. 23 on the SEC teleconference that “rule changes are always available to our membership.”
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Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin and Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said Monday they expected a vote among SEC presidents to change the rule regarding intraconference transfers to take place.
