NCAA Decertifies OU linebacker Mike Balogun's Eligibility

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma - The NCAA has decertified the eligibility of OU linebacker Mike Balogun pending further review, school officials announced this afternoon.

Balogun, a senior, is eligible to continue in practice through Wednesday but may be sidelined after that time.

The NCAA is reviewing Balogun's participation in the North American Football League, a semi-professional league. Any participation in a game during each 12-month period after his 21st birthday would result in a corresponding loss of a season of collegiate eligibility.

The NCAA is responsible for the certification of amateur status for all student-athletes.  As part of that process, the NCAA was aware of Balogun's participation in the league prior to the 2008 season.  The NCAA interviewed Balogun, reviewed information, then certified him in May.

More information came to light after the 2008 season and OU again reviewed the matter and shared its information with the NCAA.

"I don't know how we could have done more than we have in this matter, and we've had a good working relationship with the NCAA on Mike's case all along," said OU Head Coach Bob Stoops.  "We're still hopeful that Mike will be eligible for this season, but we'll have to see what happens over the coming days. "