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Drew Singleton, Rutgers receive NCAA’s final decision on eligibility appeal

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

Drew Singleton’s career is officially over. The NCAA has denied Singleton and Rutgers’ third and final appeal to use Singleton’s final season of eligibility in 2022 after declaring for the NFL Draft but not being drafted.

Singleton and Rutgers coach Greg Schiano released statements after the decision:

“I am deeply disappointed in the NCAA’s decision to deny Drew Singleton the opportunity to return this season and use his final year of eligibility. There were clearly extenuating circumstances presented after Drew came back to play in our bowl game. He embodies what it means to be a student-athlete here at Rutgers,” Schiano said.

“I’d like to thank Coach Schiano, our compliance department, Commissioner Warren, my teammates and family for their support,” Singleton said in the statement. “This has been an extremely difficult process and I am disappointed that I will not be able to use my final year of eligibility to return to play with my teammates and obtain a master’s degree in Labor Management and Employee Relations.”

Singleton declared for the 2022 NFL Draft after Rutgers finished the 2021 regular-season 5-7. The Scarlet Knights did not look to be playing in a bowl game at the time Singleton declared.

When Rutgers was named the Gator Bowl replacement for Texas A&M, Singleton decided to suit up for the Scarlet Knights. He suffered an injury in the game that hindered his draft prep.

NJ.com notes that Singleton’s appeal was initially denied due to accepting payment from his agent to pay for pre-draft training before Rutgers was added to the Gator Bowl. Singleton paid the money back, but that was not enough to change the NCAA’s mind.

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.