Is Nerlens Noel Really Cleared to Play?

Oct 11, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Nerlens Noel (3) talks to reporters during media day at Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday all of Big Blue Nation rejoiced as John Calipari stated on Sportscenter yesterday that Nerlens Noel was cleared and ready to play in games. Then the University of Kentucky released a statement that basically said “We have no comment at this time nor will we have a comment until it’s time to play games.”

Fast forward to later that afternoon when USA Today released an article with a quote from NCAA spokesperson Bob Williams stating the following in an email to USA Today:

"Nerlens Noel is cleared to practice and compete"

Again, all of Big Blue Nation rejoiced as now the words finally came directly from a source from the NCAA. Then this morning I was texted a tweet from Paul Jordan that he saw on Aarons Kentucky Basketball Blog in which it was insinuated that Jerry Tipton said that the NCAA really hasn’t cleared Noel. Confused yet? I sure am.

Tipton’s article for the Lexington Herald Leader makes this whole issue seem like it’s far from over. Now Bob Williams is singing a completely different tune. There is now a new comment added to the issue that makes it foggier than before:

"Williams seemed to suggest that the NCAA had not made a final judgment on Noel. Four times in a five-minute conversation, Williams qualified Noel’s status by saying “as of today” “He is cleared right now, today, to practice and play if they had a game scheduled,” Williams said of Noel. “I can’t really speculate on what may or may not happen in the future.” UK declined comment. Spokesman DeWayne Peevy said in a text message that the school would not comment on any player’s eligibility until the first game."

As you can see this is far from over. Read the entire LHL column here. I don’t think this is just Tipton being Tipton. It appears right now that the NCAA is talking out of both sides of their mouth on this issue.

Even CBSSports.com is reporting that the NCAA told them that Noel is cleared to play. All of this reaffirms my stance on the NCAA: I hate you.

Oct 11, 2012; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari at a press conference during media day at Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Last night’s All Access show on ESPN was fantastic and there is a ton to go over from the show. I could fill up an entire post with thoughts, but since this is supposed to be quick morning headlines, I’ll briefly give you my favorite moments:

• John Calipari chilling with the old timers at Wheeler’s Pharmacy.
• The John Calipari 500 wins ball prominently displayed for the NCAA to see.
• Nerlens Noel talking about how he wasn’t promised anything, not even playing time, when Calipari recruited him to UK.
• The look of genuine surprise on Mr. Harrison’s face when the Twins picked Kentucky. I would venture to say that he had no clue of what they were going to say. And I think he was hoping that they were going to say “Maryland”
• Orlando Antigua looking through Calipari’s twitter and calling out the haters. And then laughing at them.

Again, I could go on and on, but this is a quick post and there will be another episode to delve into. All in all, it was awesome.