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For the record: Baylor University reinstatement decision

Baylor University’s criticism of the NCAA for its reinstatement decision regarding men’s basketball student-athlete Perry Jones is off base, related to timing, process and precedent.

In particular, the university denounced the timing of the decision, which occurred just prior to the start of the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament. The university also claimed the decision was inconsistent with other recent eligibility reinstatement decisions.

In fact, on multiple occasions starting in January, the NCAA notified Baylor University of potential eligibility issues with the student-athlete. It wasn’t until Monday that Baylor declared Mr. Jones ineligible and sought reinstatement from the NCAA. After immediately reviewing the request and also having to seek additional information, the NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff received the final information it requested Tuesday evening and issued its decision Wednesday morning.

Regarding comparisons to other cases, each situation is different and has a different set of facts. In this specific case, the student-athlete and his family actually received benefits, including a trip, with the total benefit amount of more than $4,100. This sets the case apart from the Newton case, where there was no sufficient evidence of benefits being provided or direct involvement by the student-athlete.