The NCAA informed the Illinois State athletics department, late Friday, that it has denied the Redbirds appeal for an eligibility extension request for senior mens basketball star Tarise Bryson, who suffered a season-ending injury in the opening game of the 2001-02 season.
The NCAA allows student-athletes a five-year period to complete their four years of eligibility. However, the organization can waive the five-year rule, according to NCAA Bylaw 30.6.1, for reasons that are beyond the control of the student-athlete or institution, which deprive the student-athlete of the opportunity to participate for more than one season within the five-year period.
Bryson, who sat out the 1997-98 season to meet eligibility requirements, was diagnosed with a learning disability while at Illinois State. Facing an uphill challenge, the Decatur, Ill., native regained his fifth-year of eligibility and received his bachelors degree from Illinois State in May. Despite his hard work, the NCAA Reinstatement Committee deemed that Brysons first year was within his control and was denied the sixth year. It was then sent to the NCAA Reinstatement Appeals Committee which upheld the original decision.
Im disappointed because I was looking forward to coming back and playing next season, Bryson said. These guys are on the verge of something special. Last season, my teammates learned how to win without me and I wanted to have a chance to play with them again, but I had to prepare myself for this to be a possibility. The hardest part has been not knowing, because I have such a love for Illinois State and the community. I cant believe Im not coming back.
Head coach Tom Richardson met with Bryson last night after the decision.
Obviously, I feel terrible for Tarise, Richardson said. With the recent events in his life, hes just devastated right now. Understandably, hes having a hard time with the decision. Once things settle down, I will meet with Tarise to help him with his future endeavors.
Prior to his season-ending injury, Bryson entered the 2001-02 campaign as the nations leading returning scorer (22.8 ppg.) and currently ranks as the No. 6 scorer in Illinois State history with 1,736 points, only 504 behind all-time leader Doug Collins. He is also the all-time Redbird career leader in made 3-point field goals with 214 and made free throws with 468.
