Leinart reinstated by NCAA

[bmbmd]

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/5187632

USC quietly declared Leinart ineligible earlier this month after the quarterback appeared in a promotional segment for ESPN — a violation of NCAA rules. After ESPN aired the piece, which was filmed after the Trojans' victory over UCLA, USC reported the violation and immediately petitioned the NCAA to reinstate Leinart.
"Whenever we are aware that media outlets ask student-athletes to do these kinds of tags we immediately cut them off," said Tim Tessalone, USC's sports information director. "Unfortunately, this one slipped by."

Leinart's actions were seen as "unintentional and inadvertent" according to the NCAA's Kent Barrett.

"This was the type of thing where it was obvious the student-athlete was not attempting to become an endorser of a network," Barrett said.

The situation came to light when USC's sports information staff turned down interveiw requests for the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner. Tessalone said Leinart had been barred from participating in media activities until after Christmas.

[realisticphish]

1. OMG

that would be so fucking hilarious to have him ineligable for the nat'l championship. but, the NCAA made a good decision, it wasn't a big deal.