The NCAA has reversed its previous decision that prevented former U.S. Marine Sergeant Steven Rhodes from playing football this season. The original story can be read here. But, thanks to a massive outpouring of support and publicity, the NCAA now says that Rhodes can play immediately.
The original decision caught some flak in all forms of media. Major news organizations around the country picked up the story after it broke on Sunday, August 18, 2013. In addition, the NCAA was crushed by internet activists. Twitter members around the world tweeted their support, including a tweet by U.S. Senator John McCain.
The news came as a surprise to all involved because they expected the appeals process to take weeks. Instead, it took just 24 hours. The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) coach Rick Stockstill was shocked by the swiftness. He said “[t]hat’s the power of social media. It’s amazing just how fast this thing got legs and took off.”
Rhodes said “I was smiling real big when he told me,” talking about Stockstill. “I’m going to play now,” Rhodes exclaimed.
MTSU expressed its gratitude to the NCAA for the speed with which it decided on the appeal. The school’s president added “[w]e are hopeful that the NCAA will look at the bylaws regarding all individuals who serve in the military before becoming a student-athlete.”