Robert Grant admits he often dreams up lofty, unattainable goals.

His tenacity never stops him from pursuing them.

Certainly well-intentioned, Grant sought to join East Carolina as a walk-on in 2003 as a kicker/punter. Once he made the team, the NCAA raised its eyebrows when it learned the Scotland native Grant had previous experience with the Scottish Claymores, a former NFL Europe team.

Under two separate appeals spanning his freshman and the beginning of his sophomore years, the NCAA ruled Grant ineligible to play for ECU. In between the two appeals, NCAA rules still permitted Grant to practice with the Pirates, but not play.

The resilient Grant respects the NCAA and understands the rules it has to follow. Once the NCAA sends its formal notification to Grant, however, he plans to appeal once again. Grant hopes the organization will fully understand his situation and allow him to follow his dream of playing American college football.

‘I’m a mature adult, and I understand rules are rules,’ Grant said. ‘But I hope they would take it in consideration that my case is very unique. There has to be some give and take. Obviously they have to be careful because some may twist and manipulate the rules. But they need to take into account certain considerations.’

The rules say this: The NCAA prohibits athletes who formerly competed with a professional team. Understandably, the NCAA enacts this rule so the playing field is equal with collegiate athletes and so players can’t bask in earnings before becoming a college student.

In Grant’s case, though, he never earned an income. He never played professionally, either. He practiced with the Claymores in 1999 and 2001, but was never listed on their roster. Grant said he had no intention to make the team. With football still an up-and-coming sport in Scotland, the Claymores’ promotion through natives served as a way to acquaint citizens with football and broaden its appeal.

The NCAA said in a statement, ‘NCAA bylaws are clear that when student-athletes sign professional contracts, regardless of whether they make the pro team’s roster, they are ineligible for future collegiate competition in that sport.’

‘I’m not sure if there is any gray area. (Grant) signed a professional contract. If you’re signed to a pro team’s roster or to a contract, you’re ineligible. If you don’t make the roster, you (still) lose your eligibility,’ NCAA spokesman Kent Barrett added.

This is where Grant’s situation becomes more complicated. Technically, Grant indeed signed a contract. His contract, obtained by The Daily Orange, outlined formal agreements with the Claymores ranging from injuries to workman’s compensation and travel expenditures. It also outlined different benefits and compensations. But the document states ‘this contract only becomes effective only after the player is selected by the team.’

Grant said the paperwork served more as an insurance waiver for Scottish’s liability purposes. His brother, David, said Scottish amateur soccer teams require similar documentation both for liability and so that players can’t switch club teams.

Claymores general manager Steve Livingstone wrote a letter on Sept. 27, 2004 to East Carolina Compliance Director Rosie Thompson in defense of Grant. Livingstone wrote, ‘This was an open tryout. None of the athletes signed any contracts or received any payment or benefit for their involvement in the tryout.’

As opposed to a contract, Livingstone wrote, ‘I can clarify that all European players had to sign a waiver to cover health and injury in any involvement with the Claymores. It is a basic waiver that states they are responsible for any injury incurred.’

Many players walk onto Division I teams and many, including scholarship athletes, are turned away every year in violation of certain bylaws. The NCAA has a specific committee, the Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, to hear such cases. Comprised of five athletic officials from member conferences and institutions, the committee determines if a player is ineligible according to NCAA bylaws.

‘Once determined to be ineligible, an institution can choose to come and ask if there is any way they can get eligibility back,’ Barrett said. ‘In some ways, that is possible. But oftentimes what (the player) has done is in such direct opposition to our bylaws that they can’t reinstate the person.’

The NCAA, in this case, ruled not to reinstate Grant. East Carolina Athletic Director Terry Holland said this ruling is typical of any other case dealing with compliance issues. He also said there is nothing unique about Grant’s situation, and the East Carolina staff supports any action Grant plans to take so he can join the Pirates.

However, Grant’s case can be viewed differently since he is from Scotland. The NCAA ruled his case based on precedent. But with more international players flocking to the United States to play college sports, NCAA bylaws could conflict with procedures foreign amateur and professional teams take that are deemed typical in the respective country. Grant’s case with his contract stands out as just one example.

‘If I had known I was signing a contact to be a professional knowing the rules and the NCAA collegiate laws, (then) yes I’m ineligible,’ Grant said. ‘I never signed this agreement not knowing it was a contract.’

No. 12 West Virginia (-8) at South Florida

Saturday, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

With South Florida’s loss to Connecticut on Saturday, West Virginia clinched the Big East conference title, earning a spot in the Bowl Championship Series. The Mountaineers have proved to be a legitimate team and should avoid embarrassment against a likely SEC foe in the Sugar Bowl. That’s why it’s critical for WVU not to let down against South Florida, even if there are no mathematical stakes involved.

Pick: West Virginia 31, South Florida 20

No. 11 UCLA (+22) at No. 1 USC

Saturday, 4:30 p.m., ABC

Southern California’s resiliency has certainly frustrated teams and fans outside of California. Against Notre Dame and Fresno State, USC faced possible upsets but prevailed in the end, vindicating its 33-game winning streak. UCLA looks promising and has the talent to knock the pedestal the Trojans stand on. But USC has Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush to prevail again and again.

Pick: USC 42, UCLA 27

Colorado (+27.5) vs. No. 2 Texas, Big 12 Championship

Saturday, noon, ABC

This game is critical for Texas and BCS bashers alike. If Texas wins, it faces USC in the Rose Bowl title game. Two undefeated teams meeting for the national championship would give little fuel to BCS detractors since it would clearly represent a battle between America’s two best teams. With a loss, Texas would still likely play in the Rose Bowl but it could complicate things. Penn State, LSU and Virginia Tech have slim chances of entering the national title game picture. But it’s not worth speculating since it won’t happen.

Pick: Texas 30, Colorado 17

No. 3 LSU (-.5) vs. No. 13 Georgia, SEC Championship

Saturday, 6 p.m., CBS

Being the second time in three years LSU and Georgia have met to decide the SEC, these two teams already know the drill. Time and again, the Tigers’ defense has prevailed. Their offense, however, has not fully developed. Last week against Georgia Tech, Georgia played the same way with a suffocating defense and an unproductive offense. Usually, Bulldog quarterback D.J. Shockley makes sure his team enters the end zone. LSU needs to do the same or it won’t get to the Sugar Bowl.

Pick: Georgia 21, LSU 17

No. 5 Virginia Tech (-14) vs. Florida State, ACC Championship

Saturday, 8 p.m., ABC

With its loss against Miami an exception, Virginia Tech has proven to be a top team in the nation, let alone the ACC. Meanwhile, Florida State dropped three straight games and out of the Top 25. Both teams seem to be going in separate directions at this point. The Hokies will continue that path all the way to the Orange Bowl.

Pick: Virginia Tech 35, Florida State 17

Published on November 28, 2005 at 12:00 pm