Demarco Nelson's Appeal Denied By NCAA

The NCAA informed The University of Tulsa today that the school's appeal in the Demarco Nelson eligibility case has been denied. Last Tuesday (Aug. 27), Nelson was ruled academically ineligible to compete per the NCAA's Progress Towards Degree Requirement. The University subsequently filed an appeal with the NCAA.

Nelson can red-shirt this season and return to the field in 2014 as a fifth-year senior if he meets the appropriate academic requirements.

"We've exhausted every avenue in trying to support the student-athlete, but unfortunately Demarco will not be eligible to play this year," Director of Athletics Derrick Gregg said. "Education is priority for our student-athletes, and at this time Demarco's focus needs to be on his academic progress towards a degree."

"We're extremely disappointed that Demarco will not be able to compete this season. He'll need to concentrate his efforts on academics and be in a situation to play and graduate next year," coach Bill Blankenship said.

Nelson is three-year starter at safety from Glenpool, Oklahoma.