Sports

As Grad Transfer is Scrutinized, SEC Might Lock out Golson

Published

11 years ago

May 14, 2015

In this Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 file photo, Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson (5) looks to a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

Ralph D. Russo, ASSOCIATED PRESS

(AP) — Florida State? Interested. South Carolina? Not interested. Florida? Happy to be mentioned. Georgia? Well, the Bulldogs would rather not say.

Everett Golson has become a popular man in the southeast since he announced last week he is transferring from Notre Dame.

The talented quarterback who would be immediately eligible to play seems like a perfect fit for a bunch of teams in the Deep South, but Southeastern Conference restrictions on graduate transfer could go a long way toward helping Golson make his choice.

And if college sports leaders get their way, this type of college football free agency will soon be a thing of the past.

Golson, who is from South Carolina, began his swing through the south earlier this week in Tallahassee, Florida. Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher said he met with Golson on Monday. Fisher made it clear if Golson wants in on the competition to replace Jameis Winston, the Seminoles of the Atlantic Coast Conference would probably accommodate him.

Media reports had Golson in Gainesville, Florida, to see the Gators on Tuesday. New Florida coach Jim McElwain was not quite as forthcoming about getting together with Golson.

“Per NCAA rules, he’s a prospective student-athlete, so I can’t really comment on that part,” McElwain said Wednesday during the SEC spring wrap-up teleconference. “The one thing that we are doing, however, and it’s irregardless of whatever position it is, we’re always looking to help the organization fill holes where needed. Obviously, him mentioning us is something that’s exciting and at the same time, we’re doing it at a lot of different spots.”

Golson actually has not mentioned anything publicly about where he might want to transfer. And that part about the NCAA rules is not entirely true, either. Speaking publicly about Golson is not necessarily a violation. As long as Notre Dame gave permission for Golson and a school to have contact, then the coach is free to announce it to the world.

Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick has said the Fighting Irish are not blocking Golson from transferring to any of the schools the quarterback identified as places he would like to go. Swarbrick has declined to name those schools, but it wouldn’t be surprising if a few of Florida’s SEC rival are also on that list.

Georgia was reportedly next on Golson’s visit list, though Bulldogs coach Mark Richt took the McElwain approach Wednesday and declined to confirm any contact with Golson.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier was not so shy. The Ball Coach told The State.com in Columbia the Gamecocks were not in on Golson.

It might be just as well. A unique SEC rule regarding grad transfers, who are allowed to switch schools without sitting out a season as usually required by the NCAA, could keep Golson out of the conference.

The SEC banned its schools from accepting graduate transfers in 2011 after Mississippi accepted quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who had been dismissed from Oregon’s team.

The SEC lifted the ban last year, but with restrictions that prohibited institutions from accepting players who had significant disciplinary or eligibility issues at their previous schools. The idea behind the bylaw was to keep players from running away from trouble to the SEC.

That’s not the case with Golson, but he did miss the 2013 season at Notre Dame while serving a suspension for an academic violation. An SEC school could request a waiver from the commissioner for Golson to play.

No other conference has a similar rule. Several SEC coaches said they didn’t think the rule puts the conference at a disadvantage, but Spurrier added: “As coaches we all wish we had the same rules as other conferences. I just wish we all had the same rules.”

Earlier this year, Oregon landed a possible replacement for Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota in Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams via the graduate transfer rule.

But soon the market might be closing altogether.

Conference commissioners and athletic directors all over the country have said they would like to change the rule that was first put in place to allow students to pursue graduate degrees not offered by their current schools.

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby has said the grad transfer rule “smacks of hired gun.”

“I don’t think it fits into the core values of intercollegiate athletics,” Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson said.

Coaches tend to be more open-minded.

“It gives them an opportunity educationally to get involved in a degree program that might be more beneficial to them,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “It may help them from a career development standpoint to play, whether it’s in a different style of offense or defense, or have an opportunity to get more exposure because of playing time.”

Saban’s team could probably use Golson, too.

___

Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

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Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

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The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

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McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

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Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.