North Carolina's Mack Brown Criticizes NCAA as Tez Walker is Ruled Ineligible for Season

North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez "Tez" Walker has been declared ineligible for the 2023 season by the NCAA. Walker's eligibility was denied despite an appeal and criticism from North Carolina head coach Mack Brown. The decision has sparked outrage and calls for reform in college sports governance.

The NCAA has finally made a ruling on the eligibility of North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez "Tez" Walker. Walker, a two-time transfer, had initially been denied a waiver to play immediately. North Carolina appealed the decision, but it was also denied. The case was then taken to a committee made up of representatives from Division I universities, who were responsible for making a final decision and presenting it to the NCAA.

Walker did not participate in the Tar Heels' season opener against South Carolina as he awaited the ruling on his eligibility. Unfortunately, on Thursday, the redshirt junior received the news that he had been declared ineligible for the entire 2023 season.

Upon hearing the NCAA's decision, North Carolina football head coach Mack Brown expressed his disappointment, stating that he had lost faith in the organization's ability to govern college sports. Brown criticized the NCAA for failing Walker and his family and accused them of being inconsistent in their rulings. He pointed to the case of quarterback JT Daniels, who has played for four universities without any eligibility issues.

Walker, a native of Charlotte, transferred to UNC earlier this year in order to be closer to his family while his grandmother was dealing with an illness. Brown argued that the NCAA should have taken into account Walker's mental health issues and the unique position they are in to help student-athletes achieve their dreams.

North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham also voiced his dissatisfaction with the NCAA's decision, stating that it undermined the fair treatment of student-athletes and eroded the public's confidence in the governing body.

Walker had previously written a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker, pleading his case and asking for a review of his situation. He believed that the NCAA should be helping student-athletes achieve their dreams.

Despite the NCAA's decision, North Carolina will continue to support Walker and his family. Walker will have to sit out this season but will be eligible to play for the Tar Heels starting in 2024.

Fox News Digital reached out to the NCAA for more information on their decision but did not receive a response as of Friday morning.

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