Jan. 16, 2004
WACO, Texas - Two Baylor University men's basketball players, senior center R.T. Guinn and senior forward Terrance Thomas, have been granted waivers of an academic eligibility rule by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and have had their eligibility restored, according to Michael Rogers, the school's faculty representative to the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA.
The two student-athletes were declared ineligible for competition by Baylor on Jan. 3. On Jan. 12, the University filed a waiver request with the NCAA's membership services staff on the players' behalf. An NCAA membership services team reviewed the waiver requests and notified the University in writing today that both were granted.
"While this waiver decision by the NCAA staff is based on the merits, it is full of grace and understanding," Rogers said. "It was granted because of the totality of circumstances and events of the past six months, which have been unique and unimaginable.
"Although they have been declared eligible, this is not going to be a free pass to play," he added. "Their academic progress will be closely monitored and we expect them to live up to their classroom commitments."
In August, the NCAA granted a waiver of its one-year in residence rule to any Baylor men's basketball team member who wished to transfer in the aftermath of last summer's events.
"These are the players' waivers, not Baylor's, and I hope that Terrance and R.T. take this opportunity to fulfill their academic and athletic responsibilities," first-year Bear coach Scott Drew said. "Both players were embarrassed and apologetic upon being declared ineligible, and I hope they appreciate the second chance the NCAA has given them."
A team tri-captain, Thomas leads the Bears in scoring (18.6 ppg), rebounding (8.0 rpg) and minutes played (36.5 mpg) despite missing the last three games. He also ranks as the second-leading scorer and the seventh-best rebounder in the Big 12 Conference, and has scored 20 or more points in five of his 11 appearances this season.
"I want to thank all those who had a part in this decision," Thomas said. "I appreciate this chance and will take this opportunity seriously. I'm grateful to be able to play basketball again, and look forward to getting back out there and helping my teammates on the court."
Like Thomas, Guinn is a team tri-captain who has sat out the last three games. He leads the Big 12 with 2.45 steals this season, and paces the team in field goal shooting at 53.5 percent, while averaging 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
"I'm thankful to the NCAA for granting this waiver," Guinn said. "We've been given the opportunity to continue playing basketball and I want to do everything I can to take advantage of that. I feel very fortunate."
The Bears, 5-9 overall and 0-1 in the Big 12 Conference, return to action Saturday, Jan. 17, when the No. 22 Texas Tech Red Raiders visit the Ferrell Center for an 8 p.m. game that will be televised by Fox Sports Southwest.
