CFB blogger tells fans to root against Miami Hurricanes QB Martell
Attorneys who have a far broader understanding of Martell’s case than the tweets that Luciano referenced have spoken out on the issue and are far better voices for college athletes.
Miami attorney Jason Setchen represented Dewan Hernandez in his eligibility case against the NCAA. Setchen Tweeted on Tuesday afternoon about Martell’s chances to gain eligibility.
Unfortunately for Tate Martell he is a test case of sorts. The NCAA will likely factor into their decision the old slippery slope fear better known as, "if we grant this how might this impact other waivers in future." Of course this is not supposed to be a consideration. #theu
— Jason Setchen (@AthleteDefender) February 12, 2019
Luciano gave his opinion about Martell’s attempt to gain eligibility but never gave any reasons to support his opinion.
"“After former Georgia quarterback Justin Fields earned immediate eligibility at Ohio State and will likely be the starting quarterback for the 2019 season, Martell is trying to do the same in Coral Gables. However, he’s got far less reasoning behind his argument.”"
By the NCAA definition, Martell might have a better case based on the NCAA definition but it was more taking advantage of how the rule is written than having a genuine argument. Barrett Sallee of CBS Sports explained the difference in a tweet last week.
Justin Fields should be eligible based on the specified transfer rules. Tate Martell, on the other hand, shouldn’t. It can be about playing time, but there also was a legit reason for Fields to file his waiver. Martell claiming Meyer’s suspension is the reason shouldn’t fly. https://t.co/B2TYsvzBZU
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) February 8, 2019
Anyone that has followed both cases knows that both Fields and Martell’s transfers are about playing time. Fields left Georgia for Ohio State because he was stuck behind Jake Fromm. Martell was concerned about playing behind Fields at Ohio State so he transferred to Miami.
The archaic transfer rules need to be changed. Players should be able to transfer and chose to attend the school of their choice. There are many possibilities on how to limit the players’ movement so it doesn’t become rampant. The way it is now is not fair to the players.