One week ago, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey issued a statement demanding answers from NCAA pertaining the decision to deny a waiver for immediate eligibility from RaeQuan Battle, a 6-foot-5 wing expected to be an integral part of the Mountaineers had he been given clearance to play.
Morrisey followed up by penning a letter Tuesday to NCAA President Charlie Baker, urging the NCAA to overturn the decision and grant Battle the transfer waiver for immediate eligibility.
In the letter, Morrisey says the NCAA’s decision to reject Battle’s waiver for the organization’s “year-in residence” requirement is wrong and that it conflicts with the NCAA’s own guidelines and principles.
Morrisey goes on to add that the NCAA’s decision to arbitrarily limit student choice through the transfer guidelines raises significant antitrust-related concerns.
Battle began his career at Washington and played two seasons for the Huskies before moving on to Montana State, where he also played two seasons. As a two-time undergraduate transfer, Battle needs the waiver to be eligible for competition this season.
Interim head coach Josh Eilert said Monday on his weekly radio show that West Virginia had submitted a waiver appeal to the NCAA and added he expected a decision within two weeks.
Had Battle been given immediate eligibility last week, he figured to be the Mountaineers’ 11th scholarship player and 12th player eligible for competition in the upcoming season, which starts Monday with a home matchup against Missouri State.
Since then, the Mountaineers lost forward Akok Akok during last Friday’s exhibition against George Mason after he collapsed to the court and was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital for further testing. Akok has since been released, but his status remains in question.
Earlier Tuesday, WVU’s athletic department announced a nine-game suspension for point guard Kerr Kriisa, an Arizona transfer who was punished for receiving impermissible benefits during his Wildcats’ career.
Morrisey is not the first high profile West Virginian to become involved with the Battle ruling. Last Friday, Gov. Jim Justice also sent a letter to Baker asking him to reconsider the ruling on Battle.