HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Conference USA All-Freshman guard Kareem Canty has been granted his release by Marshall and is now free to transfer to another program on scholarship.
Marshall officials initially denied his request to be released from his scholarship earlier this week, but Friday morning a three-member appeal committee reversed the decision, allowing Canty to transfer, reportedly without restriction.
The committee was comprised entirely on non-athletic department members.
Canty was one of the few bright spots during a dismal 2013-14 season for the Thundering Herd. Canty led the team in scoring at 16.3 points per game, was fifth in C-USA in scoring. Though regarded as one of the best Division I point guards, Canty has been public about his desire to leave Marshall, tweeting out his intention to leave on the day coach Tom Herrion was fired.
This week Canty rattled off a series of tweets clearly displaying his desire to transfer.
Come now it’s been a whole month !!!!! Need to get things in motion man !!!
— kareem canty (@KCANTY1) April 7, 2014
I just want this to be over with I have my reasons why I’m leaving & it’s not because our coach was let go !!
— kareem canty (@KCANTY1) April 10, 2014
I’ve won my appeal !!!!!!!!!! I will be granted my Release
— kareem canty (@KCANTY1) April 11, 2014
Wherever he lands, it will be the sixth school in six years for the Harlem, N.Y., native. Canty started at Bridgton Academy in Maine, the went to Bishop Laughlin in Brooklyn, moved on to Westwind Prep in Phoenix and finally Faith Baptist Christian in Florida before signing with Marshall.
While sitting out the 2012-13 season due to eligibility issues, Canty remained on scholarship as a partial-qualifier.
Canty will be forced to sit out next season, leaving him with two years of eligibility left starting in 2015-16.