After much speculation on how the NCAA would rule on this particular case, Indianapolis delivered its verdict – much to the chagrin of South Carolina.
The league denied granting a waiver to South Carolina which would have allowed Te’a Cooper to play for this season. As a caveat of the ruling, she will redshirt and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the possibility of there being a sixth year.
Cooper transferred from Tennessee and sat out last season due to injury. This was something the Gamecocks were counting on a chance it could boost their pitch to the NCAA to allow Cooper to set foot on the court this year.
In a press conference, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley said South Carolina would not appeal the NCAA’s decision, but she also suggested that Cooper’s family should not lay down without a fight.
Here is Dawn Staley's full response to the NCAA's decision to deny Te'a Cooper's waiver: @wachfox pic.twitter.com/SKlJS1HUGA
— Matt Dowell (@TheMattDowell) January 26, 2018
Earlier today, Dawn Staley spoke more on the NCAA's decision to deny Te'a Cooper's waiver. Worth a watch. #Gamecocks @wachfox pic.twitter.com/1j3HeZ3rbf
— Matt Dowell (@TheMattDowell) January 26, 2018
What also has fans peeved is how Cooper can be denied a waiver, yet the NCAA granted a waiver in a similar case involving Jessica Shepard – who now plays for…Notre Dame.
So @NCAA @ncaawbb could someone please explain the reasoning behind the different decisions for Te'a Cooper and Jessica Shepard eligibility? Certainly seems like you're playing favorites
— Carolinalytics (@Carolinalytics) January 26, 2018
.@NCAA how can you clear Jessica Shephard and not Te’a Cooper? Oh maybe because it’s ND! Asking for a friend. Thanks
— Corey Miller (@pastorofpain) January 26, 2018
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
