College football has had its fair share of problems since the introduction of NIL in 2019. However, some policies and rulings remain the same across conferences, such as following availability reports before kickoff. Manipulation of an injury report remains grounds for penalties levied against a program.
On Saturday, the UCLA Bruins violated the Big Ten’s availability report policy when a wide receiver entered Saturday’s contest against the Minnesota Golden Gophers despite being ruled “out” before the game. UCLA joined the Big Ten conference this offseason after 56 years competing in the Pac-12, formerly known as the Pac-10 and Pac-8.
UCLA Bruins Break College Football Availability Rule
According to college football insider Brett McMurphy of The Athletic:
UCLA violated Big Ten’s availability report policy by listing junior WR Titus Mokiao-Atimalala as “out” on pregame report, but he still played vs. Minnesota. It’s unknown what penalty – if any – Big Ten may access against UCLA as this is under the league’s sportsmanship policy.
Per McMurphy, UCLA Bruins wideout Titus Mokiao-Atimalala played in Saturday’s conference clash with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, albeit entering the weekend labeled as unavailable. He finished the contest with three catches for 24 yards. However, UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers tossed three interceptions, with the Bruins losing at home 21-17.
With most college football conferences bestowing availability report policies among their members, UCLA violated a Big Ten rule on Saturday. College football or the Big Ten could penalize the Bruins for playing a player reported as unavailable. Still, McMurphy indicates that the punishment remains unknown as it falls under the league’s sportsmanship policy.
More College Football News by Gridiron Heroics
-
Ohio State Football: Fans Blast HC Ryan Day For Horrendous Clock Management in Brutal Last Minute Week 7 Loss
-
Quinn Ewers’ Return game against Oklahoma In The 2024 Red River Rivalry
-
#13 LSU Tigers: Strong QB Shockingly Considered Below-Average NFL Prospect
-
Georgia Football: Fans Disturbed After Kirby Smart Pushes Player In Week 7 Battle
For More Football News:
For More Football News and to dive into the excitement, follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. Let’s get the conversation rolling! I’m all ears for your thoughts and insights. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!