Wall can play in Blue-White Game (we think)

It’s hard to be sure of anything with the questions surrounding John Wall’s eligibility. But NCAA spokesperson Cameron Schuh sent an e-mail this morning which indicates that Wall can play in Kentucky’s annual Blue-White scrimmage game Wednesday night.

Last week Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive said that “amateurism issues” had to be answered before Wall and Mississippi State freshman Renardo Sidney gained full eligibility.

A player in that position can practice with the team but cannot play in competitions until full eligibility is certified, Schuh said in an e-mail earlier this week.

That raised a question: Does an intra-squad scrimmage count as a “competition?”

Schuh responded Wednesday morning by citing NCAA Bylaw 17.02.8, which Schuh said defined a competition as a game against an outside opponent.

Of course, it cannot be that clear cut. The bylaw also says such a player cannot compete in the uniform of the school. So we won’t know for absolutely sure until the Blue-White scrimmage. But it appears Wall can play.

Wall’s association with AAU coach Brian Clifton is at the heart of the amateurism issue that must be answered. Clifton had been a certified agent for FIBA.