Justin Fields might not have to sit out a year at Ohio State because of a racially motivated incident that took place when he played for Georgia.
Fields transferred to the Buckeyes this past Friday after toying with the idea of leaving the Bulldogs for a few weeks. There is a very good chance he could start over Tate Martell as a true sophomore if he gets immediate eligibility, which could be more likely than not.
Yahoo Sports explained the following:
The case for Justin Fields’ eligibility is a compelling one, as it hinges on a racial incident and, potentially, Fields’ potential as a professional baseball player. During Fields’ tenure at Georgia, a baseball player allegedly shouted racial slurs toward him during a September game against Tennessee. The player, Adam Sasser, later issued an apology on Twitter and the school threw Sasser off the team.
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The NCAA statute that Fields is expected to file his waiver under is the “egregious behavior,” which includes a waiver “involving assertions of egregious behavior by a staff member or student at the previous institution, and determined that immediate eligibility is appropriate.” It’s important to note that this waiver does not require Georgia to grant permission. The rule includes an example of where the student athlete was “a victim of objective, documented egregious behavior” by “a staff member or student at the previous institution.”
This is just a wild situation. Who ever would have guessed when a racial slur was allegedly said about Fields by a fellow Georgia athlete months ago that it could be the basis for playing right away at Ohio State.
I don’t think anybody saw that coming one bit. Now, it might get him on the field sooner than later. That’s great news for Buckeyes fans if it works out. (RELATED: Georgia Quarterback Justin Fields Transfers To Ohio State)
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The point about the NCAA not wanting to defend this situation is what matters most. If they don’t allow Fields to play, the NCAA is essentially saying a racial slur isn’t egregious behavior. Trust me, they don’t want that look at all.
If I had to take a guess, you’ll be seeing Fields under center week one for the Buckeyes. The NCAA won’t do anything that makes them look like they don’t care about racial slurs allegedly being said.
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As for Tate Martell, there’s a good chance he’s going to transfer. I don’t see any situation where he’s capable of beating out Fields for the starting job. What a wild turn of events in college football over the past few months!