Ott case moving on to NCAA

[Blair Sanderson]

From the Iowa SID

“In regards to the University of Iowa appeal on behalf of Drew Ott, the Big Ten Conference has granted the UI’s request to forward the petition to the NCAA, where a decision will be rendered on his request for an additional year through the Medical Hardship Waiver process.”

 

[UNIowaHawk]

Seems quite ridiculous they they'd wait this long then pass it along.

 

[El Simbolo]

Must just be the standard process. Is NCAA known to deny petitions approved by the conference?

 

[Arbor1]

From the Iowa SID

“In regards to the University of Iowa appeal on behalf of Drew Ott, the Big Ten Conference has granted the UI’s request to forward the petition to the NCAA, where a decision will be rendered on his request for an additional year through the Medical Hardship Waiver process.”

Do all cases go the the ncaa? Did the b10 say yay, nay or no opinion. Im confused.

 

[SLarew]

Do all cases go the the ncaa? Did the b10 say yay, nay or no opinion. Im confused.

Merely reading between lines but would seem the BIG said no but IowA appealing to NCAA and they decide. Not a surprise to me as Ott clearly over games participated but would seem to be appealing on amount of actual participation

 

[hknation]

Here's the news account by Scott Dochterman on the process. It was written back when IA filed with the B1G.
link: http://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/iowas-ott-petitions-for-medical-red-shirt-20151124

From the article: "If the Big Ten’s subcommittee denies Ott’s request, he can appeal the decision to the NCAA’s committee on student-athlete reinstatement." This statement would seem to imply the B1G denied Ott's request for a hardship.

 

[Scott559]

Hope I'm wrong but I don't expect to see Drew back for the Hawks next year.

 

[TheRealHerky]

The statement is interesting as omits any decision by the league. Either there was no decision made by the B1G at all or it was denied and that decision was purposely omitted from the press release. Hmmm...any precedent here to shed some light on this?

 

[bravehawks1]

I would not read this as approval at all. Didn't Kirk say that if B1G denied the request, the University would immediately appeal to NCAA and exhaust all options. So if the B1G agrees to forward the petition, that would indicate the appeal was denied by the conference.

 

[Kurt Warner]

It's kinda strange the BIG would deny it. Isn't it good for the conference to have one of the best players playing? Especially when he actually deserves the red shirt?

 

[HerkyHopeful]

It's kinda strange the BIG would deny it. Isn't it good for the conference to have one of the best players playing? Especially when he actually deserves the red shirt?

Iowa's not one of their adored programs though so don't expect to ever get any favoritism from the conference

 

[Ufers_Spirit]

From what i've read since he played in more than 30% of the season the conference can only approve iowa's petition and then send it on to the NCAA for final approval. The league approved it but the final decision is not n their hands. Good sign that they approved it but the NCAA could still reject it. Fingers crossed.

 

[seiowaisufan]

It sucks for Ott, and Iowa, but really the Big 10 had no choice, it would set a very bad precedent if Ott is granted another year. He was over the games played to get another year, does not matter if he red shirted or not. And before you start ripping me for being an ISU fan, forget the thought that the NCAA is there to do what is best for the kids and university, its there to make as much money as possible for the schools and themselves. They could care less about the athletes taking all the risk here.

 

[HawCory]

So does anybody know what the new and improved timetable for a decision is?

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

With no money on the line for the B10, it's unlike them to do anything controversial like offer a kid who had a bad go of it early in his senior year a second chance. Now, if they could get Bumf*ck University in a large TV market into the conference...they would all sleep with their mothers for that one. I'm sorry, but these pricks should look at the facts, and do what's right for the student athlete who's represented the conference in the right way. What precedent would it set that's bad? That it didn't meet the criteria exactly on all points...screw that, it's about doing what's right and what's fair to the student athlete...and supporting them when they need supporting.

These guys work for peanuts in the grand scheme of things. Honestly, and I'm being truthful...if Michigan or Ohio State had an athlete go through what Ott did in the first 6 games, I wouldn't be pissed if they gave him the hardship. I mean that...it wouldn't bother me in the least. These guys have worked their asses off for years to get the chance to play. Ott didn't get a fair shake to play his senior year...elbow limited his time and the knee ended it.

Big Hypocrisy, Big Indifference, Big Ten.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

It sucks for Ott, and Iowa, but really the Big 10 had no choice, it would set a very bad precedent if Ott is granted another year. He was over the games played to get another year, does not matter if he red shirted or not. And before you start ripping me for being an ISU fan, forget the thought that the NCAA is there to do what is best for the kids and university, its there to make as much money as possible for the schools and themselves. They could care less about the athletes taking all the risk here.

The B10 had no choice. Of course they had a choice. You took the appeal, you waited 3 freaking months to rule on it. You granted six years to guys in very close to the same situations only applying for a sixth year. I'm sorry, they had a choice. Just like everything else the B10 does, there was probably something political involved, where KF or Barta pissed someone off or slighted a University or didn't vote to allow Penn State to allow their mascot to be gay...or some dumb ass beef that screwed Ott. Not to play the Oswald card here, but I'm afraid Ott is just a patsy.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

I'm going to call Delany's office once or twice a day for the next month until the NCAA rules on Ott. Hell, if I'm sitting in an airport, I may call his number several hundred times. They messed with the wrong DE's fans.

Jim Delany
5440 Park Place, Rosemont, IL 60018
(847) 696-1010

 

[David1979]

The way they worded the release it sounds to me like the Big 10 did not want to make this decision and they have been stalling and so Iowa requested the NCAA make the decision. In effect it is an appeal, but I doesn't sound like the Big 10 denied it. Probably wants the NCAA to be the bad guy. I think it is impossible to predict how the NCAA will rule because they seem to always do the opposite of what you expect.

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

The way they worded the release it sounds to me like the Big 10 did not want to make this decision and they have been stalling and so Iowa requested the NCAA make the decision. In effect it is an appeal, but I doesn't sound like the Big 10 denied it. Probably wants the NCAA to be the bad guy. I think it is impossible to predict how the NCAA will rule because they seem to always do the opposite of what you expect.

This is essentially my reading of it too. The wording was very neutral. Unless there is some precedent that I'm aware of, I don't read this as the Big 10 either approving or denying Ott's case. However, it could be the case that the Big 10 did not want to say it "approved" Ott for another year which may have resulted in reliance of that decision. So I view this news as neutral at worst, and potentially positive news.

One last comment - if this news release really means that all the Big 10 did was forward Ott's case to the NCAA without rendering any kind of opinion, then they have absolutely failed in performing their responsibilities. It would be a complete display of incompetence to take 3 months to simply send documents onto another governing entity and discharge responsibility.

 

[SLarew]

After reading Morehouse article this morning, it appears the B10 not able to make final approval because Ott appeared in more than 30% of games. My interpretation is the B10 discussed and approved his 5th year but now the NCAA has to decide. Why it took so long, I don't know. Probably because he appeared in six games and they want to be careful about precedents. I don't pay attention to players from other teams so have no idea who may have been approved and why.

 

[David1979]

If somehow the NCAA would let Ott come back, Iowa's defense has potential to be best in the league and definitely in their division. Ott and Johnson are potential 1st and second teamers on the line, Jewell and Niemann could both big all league type players and King, Mabin and Taylor are all league guys as well.

 

[lakeguy641]

Slarew I read the same article. According to Morehouse, the B1G couldn't give the final say because of the over 30% of games played requirement. They have however not shot it down on their end and now left it in the NCAA's hands.

Question I still have though is, obviously they knew this to be the protocol on this so why the heck didn't they pass this on a month ago so drew could of known his future before the combine? The B1G really dropped the ball here for Drew and it's not acceptable considering they made final decisions on some players applying for a 6 th year a long time ago.

 

[Cougar63]

It doesn't make sense. Absolutely ridiculous.

 

[Im4Iowa]

One thing is certain, that had to be one of the most confusing statements I've ever read. You could read it 5 times and come up with a different outcome/scenario each time.

 

[nck24]

So does anybody know what the new and improved timetable for a decision is?

I'm sure that NCAA will be able to study the situation, and give a definitive answer to Ott's eligibility somewhere around mid-December. Can't rush such an important decision.

 

[MitchL]

I'm sure that NCAA will be able to study the situation, and give a definitive answer to Ott's eligibility somewhere around mid-December. Can't rush such an important decision.

So then Drew would be able to play in the National Championship game if he is approved!

 

[broth87]

They screwed this kid over big time and if any of them have any semblance of a conscience, they'll give him another year and let him come back after f@#$ him over with the combine and the NFL. This is about as egregious and morally bankrupt of a situation as I've seen in a long time.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

Complete and utter bureaucratic incompetence, and quite possibly corruption, at its finest. Unreal.

 

[Lone Clone]

I don't understand the attitude of some posters. Ott does not meet the criteria for being granted an additional year of eligibility. Period. The conference does not have the power to waive the requirement, but has the power to either deny the request, thus ending the matter, or granting permission to Iowa to ask the NCAA for a review. The conference has done the latter. So it is up to the NCAA to determine if the situation is so exceptional that it should waive the rules and give Ott another season.

I don't understand (1) why anybody thinks he is getting screwed, and (2) why he should be granted an exception by the NCAA.

 

[Herky the Uruk-hai]

I don't understand the attitude of some posters. Ott does not meet the criteria for being granted an additional year of eligibility. Period. The conference does not have the power to waive the requirement, but has the power to either deny the request, thus ending the matter, or granting permission to Iowa to ask the NCAA for a review. The conference has done the latter. So it is up to the NCAA to determine if the situation is so exceptional that it should waive the rules and give Ott another season.

I don't understand (1) why anybody thinks he is getting screwed, and (2) why he should be granted an exception by the NCAA.

I believe that those who think he is getting screwed do so because the whole process is being dragged out. If they would have made a decision against him much sooner he then would have worked out at the combine for the NFL teams. I don't think anybody thinks his appeal is an obvious slam dunk for being granted.

 

[Im4Iowa]

I don't understand the attitude of some posters. Ott does not meet the criteria for being granted an additional year of eligibility. Period. The conference does not have the power to waive the requirement, but has the power to either deny the request, thus ending the matter, or granting permission to Iowa to ask the NCAA for a review. The conference has done the latter. So it is up to the NCAA to determine if the situation is so exceptional that it should waive the rules and give Ott another season.

I don't understand (1) why anybody thinks he is getting screwed, and (2) why he should be granted an exception by the NCAA.

He's getting screwed because the decision should've been made a long time ago. At least before the combine. Hundreds of players attend and they had the advantage of having an agent talk with teams on their behalf, all week. For a player who's injured and may not even be able to play until October, having an agent there wouldv'e helped him out a lot.

I feel like he should get another year because his redshirt was not pulled until week 7 or 8 his freshman year and he has battled injuries and missed time all 4 years. He never took a redshirt year. Also, I think it's fair for Iowa to ask the NCAA to look at the amount of snaps he played this year. A huge factor is he had 2 significant injuries and one of those occured in the second game, about 3-4 minutes into the first quarter. He barely played at all the next game and probably shouldn't have played. There's 2 games right there where he only played less than 20 snaps, total. Is it cut and dry? No. But based on the lack of snaps he played in 3-4 of those games due to multiple significant injuries, I think Iowa has a good, fair case. Either way, I don't think anyone will feel he was screwed purely on the outcome. We feel he is being screwed due to the length of time it's taking them to notifty Ott and Iowa.

 

[WWDMHawkeye]

I believe that those who think he is getting screwed do so because the whole process is being dragged out. If they would have made a decision against him much sooner he then would have worked out at the combine for the NFL teams. I don't think anybody thinks his appeal is an obvious slam dunk for being granted.

I believe his injury would have precluded the workout, but the post above cites a good reason why it would have been very advantageous for him to have participated fully at the Combine with an agent.

If there were information yet to come in or something of that nature, the delay would be understandable, but the powers that be have had all the information they've needed for months. The only things that could be holding up the process at this point are incompetence and corruption.

 

[MepoDawg#]

I don't understand the attitude of some posters. Ott does not meet the criteria for being granted an additional year of eligibility. Period. The conference does not have the power to waive the requirement, but has the power to either deny the request, thus ending the matter, or granting permission to Iowa to ask the NCAA for a review. The conference has done the latter. So it is up to the NCAA to determine if the situation is so exceptional that it should waive the rules and give Ott another season.

I don't understand (1) why anybody thinks he is getting screwed, and (2) why he should be granted an exception by the NCAA.

Have you read any of the threads regarding the issue? Most posters acknowledge the fact Ott doesn't meet the requirements. It's all about how long it has taken to make a decision. Try reading first.

 

[Lone Clone]

Have you read any of the threads regarding the issue? Most posters acknowledge the fact Ott doesn't meet the requirements. It's all about how long it has taken to make a decision. Try reading first.

I read most of them, not all, but the timing has nothing to do with whether he can play for Iowa next year. That's the part that I guess I didn't fully understand because most of the discussion centered on him participating at Iowa again.

I realize the kid has had some hard luck, but so have a lot of other players. And the redshirt rule -- not the medical hardship -- is one of the more strictly enforced in the NCAA. It still boggles my mind that they gave Chuck Long an extra year of eligibility after he played in the Rose Bowl as freshman. I never saw anything close to a reasonable explanation for that.

It's generally very tough. Example: When Tod Bandhauer was a freshman QB at ISU, an assistant coach made a mistake and inserted him into a game late in the season. He was in for two or three plays before Mac realized what was happening and pulled him out, but that was a whole year of eligibility shot to hell.

The medical hardship is more lenient.....IF the player hasn't exceeded the 30% guideline. My guess is that if ISU had said Bandhauer injured himself during that brief appearance and asked for a medical hardship, it probably would have been granted.

If Ott can get another year, more power to him.

 

[Im4Iowa]

I read most of them, not all, but the timing has nothing to do with whether he can play for Iowa next year. That's the part that I guess I didn't fully understand because most of the discussion centered on him participating at Iowa again.

I realize the kid has had some hard luck, but so have a lot of other players. And the redshirt rule -- not the medical hardship -- is one of the more strictly enforced in the NCAA. It still boggles my mind that they gave Chuck Long an extra year of eligibility after he played in the Rose Bowl as freshman. I never saw anything close to a reasonable explanation for that.

It's generally very tough. Example: When Tod Bandhauer was a freshman QB at ISU, an assistant coach made a mistake and inserted him into a game late in the season. He was in for two or three plays before Mac realized what was happening and pulled him out, but that was a whole year of eligibility shot to hell.

The medical hardship is more lenient.....IF the player hasn't exceeded the 30% guideline. My guess is that if ISU had said Bandhauer injured himself during that brief appearance and asked for a medical hardship, it probably would have been granted.

If Ott can get another year, more power to him.

You can't just ask for a medical hardship, you have to prove it and make a strong case. Doctors complete just as much paper work than coaches or the player. The conference/NCAA will also review any medical tests or scans that were done, too, just to make sure the injury is indeed what kept them away from the field. As I mentioned before, these two injuries were pretty significant and the elbow injury probably would've been enough to get him another year, but he tried to play through it.

 

[David1979]

I don't understand the attitude of some posters. Ott does not meet the criteria for being granted an additional year of eligibility. Period. The conference does not have the power to waive the requirement, but has the power to either deny the request, thus ending the matter, or granting permission to Iowa to ask the NCAA for a review. The conference has done the latter. So it is up to the NCAA to determine if the situation is so exceptional that it should waive the rules and give Ott another season.

I don't understand (1) why anybody thinks he is getting screwed, and (2) why he should be granted an exception by the NCAA.

Wrong. If they denied it then Iowa could appeal. It wouldn't end the matter. 1) he is getting screwed because the Big 10 has had his case for a long time and sat on it. They should have made a decision a long time ago so that the NCAA could make a decision before the NFL combine. He is stuck in limbo between the NCAA and NFL which prevents him from hiring an agent. 2) because he could have opted to have season ending surgery after getting hurt at ISU but tried to tough it out only to suffer the ACl injury and in some of the games that are being counted he played very limited snaps. Most of the time it is players asking for a 6th year and not a 5th year. The appeals process is for cases exactly like Ott's where he meets some of the criteria but not all and they have the discretion to look at all the evidence and decide to give him the waiver .

 

[David1979]

I read most of them, not all, but the timing has nothing to do with whether he can play for Iowa next year. That's the part that I guess I didn't fully understand because most of the discussion centered on him participating at Iowa again.

I realize the kid has had some hard luck, but so have a lot of other players. And the redshirt rule -- not the medical hardship -- is one of the more strictly enforced in the NCAA. It still boggles my mind that they gave Chuck Long an extra year of eligibility after he played in the Rose Bowl as freshman. I never saw anything close to a reasonable explanation for that.

It's generally very tough. Example: When Tod Bandhauer was a freshman QB at ISU, an assistant coach made a mistake and inserted him into a game late in the season. He was in for two or three plays before Mac realized what was happening and pulled him out, but that was a whole year of eligibility shot to hell.

The medical hardship is more lenient.....IF the player hasn't exceeded the 30% guideline. My guess is that if ISU had said Bandhauer injured himself during that brief appearance and asked for a medical hardship, it probably would have been granted.

If Ott can get another year, more power to him.

Who cares about Tod Bandhauer?

 

[His Hawkness]

"It still boggles my mind that they gave Chuck Long an extra year of eligibility after he played in the Rose Bowl as freshman. I never saw anything close to a reasonable explanation for that.

I don't think the NCAA ruled on anything for Long. It was just a loophole that Iowa used. Long would not have played if that loophole wasn't there.

 

[SoDakHawk]

All I have learned from this entire ordeal is that if you are a talented player who suffers any sort of injury that is borderline significant enough to affect/hinder your PT you are better off shutting it down and not suiting up for games and then seeking the medical redshirt. God forbid you try to make a go of it and are unable to so your reward is to lose any chance of getting a med redshirt.

If I'm Ott I'm lining up the lawyers to sue. Might not win but I'd still pursue it. Before anybody tells me the NCAA is a voluntary organization I would like the name of a competing organizing body for the sport of football that will give me a pathway to the NFL. There is none.

 

[Lone Clone]

Wrong. If they denied it then Iowa could appeal. It wouldn't end the matter. .

You may well be correct. That is not my understanding but I have not researched it.