Quinnipiac University men’s basketball guard Giovanni McLean has officially been ruled ineligible for the rest of the 2014-2015 season, university officials tell Q30 Sports. He will be able to remain at the school as a student, however.
“The NCAA has granted a partial waiver supporting the university’s decision to allow Giovanni McLean to continue his studies at the university for the remainder of this (2014-2015) academic year,” said Lynn Bushnell, vice president for public affairs. “He, however, will remain prohibited from practicing and playing with the basketball team for the rest of this season.”
McLean was ruled ineligible to start the season Nov. 3, when it was announced his transcript was under review by the NCAA after a transcript fraud scandal at Westchester Community College. Quinnipiac and the NCAA had decided to allow McLean to stay as a student and finish out the semester.
“The NCAA has issued a temporary waiver allowing Giovanni McLean to continue his studies at the university for the remainder of the fall semester,” said Bushnell at the time.
The Bobcats, after getting off to a slow start in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play at 2-4, had been hoping McLean would be deemed eligible for the second semester and latter part of the season.
Several players from Florida A&M alongside St. John’s University were ruled academically ineligible just prior to McLean’s status being reviewed, after WCC assistant coach Richard Fields allegedly forged transcripts, allowing the players to transfer to larger Division I schools. Westchester ultimately canceled its entire season, and Fields was fired.
McLean had originally committed to the University of Oklahoma, but the Big 12 required him to complete additional semesters he did not have on his transcript. He then selected Quinnipiac, and was slated to be in the mix for starting point guard.
He averaged 16.8 points per game alongside 7.4 assists per game last season for WCC. Under his current status, he is allowed to use team facilities and is still listed as a member of the roster. However, per the ruling, he will not play this season. His status for 2015-2016 is unknown at this time.
