Mike Balogun Will Not Suit up for Sooners

Originally Published: Sep 21, 2009 12:52 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

Mike Balogun’s playing days for the Oklahoma Sooners may have come to an end. Woody Glass, Balogun’s attorney, said he believes the NCAA will not certify the linebacker as an amateur.

A fact-finding commission agreed with the NCAA’s assertion that Balogun played semi-pro ball from 2004 through 2006. Balogun turned 21-years-old in September of 2004. According to NCAA rules an athlete will lose a year of eligibility for every semi-pro season played past his 21 birthday.

Balogun has appealed the ruling and a final decision is expected within the next two weeks, however Glass said he thinks a reversal is unlikely. That would leave Balogun with two options.

One, he go back to court and seek a permanent injunction against the NCAA. If he wins, OU would have to obey a judicial decision and most likely have to play Balogun. But if Balogun loses, the NCAA could sanction the Sooners for using an ineligible player.

His second option would be to prepare for the NFL draft in April.