Balogun's case still proceeding

BY JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Friday, August 21, 2009
8/21/09 at 10:37 PM

Related story: Breaking down Balogun's case.

Even if Mike Balogun gets a favorable ruling on Monday in Cleveland County District Court, he might still never play again at Oklahoma.

The senior linebacker's eligibility was decertified last week. He's suing the NCAA, which contends he played in organized football after the age of 21.

If Balogun wins his civil court case, OU likely would choose to hold him out of games. Why? Because if the NCAA wins an appeal, the university will be letting an ineligible student-athlete compete. That wouldn't go over well for a program that's already on NCAA probation.

Several online resources show Balogun played — not one season, but two, and in one case three — after his 21st birthday. Yet he and his former team owner gave sworn affidavits saying he didn't.

OU might seek a redshirt year for Balogun, which would, at least, keep him on scholarship and allow him to continue to work out with the team and go to school.

John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com

Previous Tulsa World stories:
Balogun's status unclear
Balogun still under NCAA review
Balogun sues NCAA over eligibility
Attorney unsure of future
Florida State, which dealt with similar issue, notified OU about Balogun
Mike Balogun timeline
Former OSU baseball player’s case could apply to Balogun

Related documents:
View the petition in the case.
View the temporary restraining order in the case.

Associated Images:

Mike Balogun