OU's Demarcus Granger Denied Medical Hardship Waiver

Originally Published: Oct 27, 2009 1:18 PM CDT

Associated Press

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Defensive tackle Demarcus Granger's request for a medical hardship waiver that would allow him to play another season for No. 22 Oklahoma has been denied.

Sooners coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday at his weekly news conference that Granger's request for a fifth year of eligibility had been turned down by the NCAA.

A former starter for Oklahoma, Granger had surgery on his lower back in December. He's said he was born with a condition that didn't allow enough room for the nerves in his lower back to breathe, and a surgeon had to scrape some bone away to relieve the pain.

He had hoped to return to play this season, but his recovery has not progressed enough.

Granger started 11 games for Oklahoma in 2007 before playing as a reserve last year.