NCAA Denies Eligibility Waiver for Virginia Tech Player Caring for Mother With Brain Tumor
By Scott Rogust
The NCAA is notoriously strict when it comes to eligibility waivers for transferred athletes-- except when they aren't. And their generally confusing decision-making process concerning immediate eligibility was showcased once again on Tuesday.
The Virginia Tech Hokies were informed that offensive lineman Brock Hoffman's request for immediate eligibility was denied by the NCAA, which means he will have to sit out for the 2019 season. And given his personal situation, this one begs for an explanation.
Brock Hoffman's waiver appeal to become eligible right away at Virginia Tech to be nearer his mother stricken with a "significant non-cancerous brain tumor" has been denied by the NCAA. https://t.co/JedJ6FUbym
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) August 27, 2019
Hoffman, a native of Statesville, North Carolina, announced his transfer from Coastal Carolina to VT this past February. The junior offensive tackle made the decision due to the proximity of Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus to his mother, Stephanie, who is dealing with acoustic neuroma, a non-cancerous brain tumor. After undergoing surgery in December 2017, Hoffman's mother is dealing with facial paralysis and hearing loss.
The junior released the following statement on Tuesday night following the NCAA's decision:
2020 Loading...⏳ pic.twitter.com/qQpoG2woIf
— Brock (@BrockHoffman76) August 27, 2019
"First off I would like to thank the entire country for the overwhelming support on my case! We did what we could, but I was informed today that my appeal has been denied and that I will have to sit out the 2019 season. I will redshirt this season and have two years left to play at VT.
"I know it will be a long journey until the 2020 season, but I'm willing to take it to achieve greatness. The goal now is continue developing my body, perfecting my craft, and being a leader for my teammates. I will not let this bring me down!"
The NCAA's decision stems from Statesville being five miles outside the required 100-mile radius from the Virginia Tech campus, and because his mother's condition, according to the NCAA, "has gotten better since being at Coastal Carolina University."
Some context. Statesville's Brock Hoffman was 5 miles outside the 100 mile radius to get NCAA waiver. Meanwhile the QB carousel churns. Ridiculous.https://t.co/cgmwsBAHxU https://t.co/tt3oRefML0
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) August 27, 2019
Negative reactions continue to swarm in following Hoffman and Illinois' Luke Ford being denied waiver applications in order to be closer to sick family members, while the likes of Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, and Tate Martell were granted immediate eligibility to play quarterback at their new schools.
While the decision stings, Brock Hoffman will redshirt this upcoming season and play the following two years with the Hokies.