Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Subcommittee for Legislative Relief determined that Jeremiah Masoli is allowed to compete immediately.  This decision overturns the waiver decision made by the NCAA earlier in the week which disallowed Masoli from playing during the 2010-2011 academic year.  Faleomavaega sent a letter and issued a press release announcing his objection to the original decision.  A copy of Faleomavaega’s press release can be found here:
http://www.house.gov/list/press/as00_faleomavaega/masoli.html.

“I commend the NCAA for its decision to allow Jeremiah to compete immediately.  I am grateful that, in the end, the Association considered all of the facts and consistently applied its regulations regarding the transfer waiver.  There is no doubt that the NCAA made the right decision and is upholding its venerable mandate to be an effective and equitable association in this matter,” Faleomavaega said.

“I would like to thank the University of Mississippi for believing in Jeremiah and especially Coach Houston Nutt and Athletics Director Pete Boone who immediately stood up and fought vigorously on his behalf,” continued Faleomavaega.

 “Additionally, I am grateful that Sports Illustrated conducted such a thorough investigation in July in an effort to clear many of the media’s and public’s misconceptions about Jeremiah.  The picture that emerged from the investigation is accurate and will go a long way towards healing some of the pain experienced by the Masoli family,” Faleomavaega said.

“I also want to the thank everyone who used online social media to show support for Jeremiah.  Through their efforts, my office received a tremendous outpouring of over 100 phone calls pleading his case,” Faleomavaega added.

“Last but not least, I want to especially congratulate Jeremiah and his parents, Kennedy and Linda.  They have been through hell for the last few months and I hope this decision will be a sign of better things to come,” Faleomavaega said.

“I commend Jeremiah for not letting his head down and want him to know that this can be a new beginning to a very bright future.  I believe that I can speak for the rest of the Samoan community in saying that we have high hopes and expect great things from him, on and off the field.  And I look forward to seeing him play against Jacksonville State tomorrow as a full-fledged member of the University of Mississippi football team,” the Congressman concluded.