Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Days of Our Lives...NMSU style

Okay, okay. Somebody isn't telling the whole truth and nothing but...

Just how in the world can Herb Pope select a new school and be granted a waiver by the NCAA in time for Pope to begin classes? It cannot be done, even if Usain Bolt carried the paperwork to and from Pope's new home and the NCAA offices. Pope will have to start classes (and soon) without knowing whether he can play right away at his new home. In time, the NCAA will make a ruling but it won't happen in the next couple of weeks.

New Mexico State's classes have already begun and there's no sign Pope has any interest in returning and picking up the pieces there. He's intent on determining a new destination and our sense is that will be that, even if he has to sit out a year away from basketball -- which is the typical NCAA transfer scenario.

Down Las Cruces way, is someone readying the sodium pentathol or rigging up the lie detector apparatus 'cause good ol' Diogenes is getting mighty discouraged in that neck of the woods?

Anyway, here's the latest:

Pope exploring options on East Coast
Teddy Feinberg
Las Cruces Sun-News Sports Editor
8/27/2008


LAS CRUCES — New Mexico State University Athletics Director McKinley Boston said he is confident that Herb Pope will play basketball for the Aggies this season, amid reports that the sophomore forward could be on his way out of town.

The Star Ledger in Newark, N.J., reported on Wednesday that the former high school All-American and prized NMSU recruit from a season ago is considering transferring to Seton Hall. The paper also reported that New Mexico State has granted Pope his release from the program.

Boston clarified, saying that NMSU is allowing Pope to explore his options on the East Coast, presuming that the NCAA will grant the player a hardship waiver. The waiver would allow Pope to resume play next year instead of sitting out an extra season due to NCAA regulations on transfer students. If Pope is not granted the waiver, he will return to the Aggies for the 2008-09 season....

Go here for the remainder.

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