The State of Florida Continues to Urge NCAA on Darrell Jackson's Waiver Decision
The State of Florida and the NCAA disagree on whether Florida State defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr.'s recently denied hardship waiver should've been approved, allowing him to play in the 2023 season.
Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., reached out via a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker asking him to reconsider the waiver decision, and it appears the story behind the junior defensive tackle has struck a chord with other state figures.
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Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is also requesting a second look at Jackson, Jr.'s plea for eligibility, given the sole reason he transferred from the University of Miami in the first place was to be closer and to take care of his mother.
"I’m writing to express my sincere disappointment in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) recent denial of Florida State University (FSU) Defensive Tackle Darrell Jackson, Jr.’s hardship waiver. As an FSU Alum, and father of two, when I came across Darrell’s story – I’ve got to admit – it got me emotional," the letter stated. "After all, Darrell put his family first and transferred to FSU to be closer to his ailing mother."
When Jackson first spoke with the media after going public with the news of the NCAA's decision, he was hurt and confused and wondered why.
"It was hurtful because I know what I came home for. I came home for my mom, so for me, I'm just trying to get through it and be here for my mom," Jackson said after the announcement. "She thinks it's her fault, and it's not, so I'm gonna continue to be there for my mom and see how things play out."
The letter would go on to state the impact Jackson sitting out would have on his career and also questioned why the NCAA would deprive a family-oriented, hard-working college student of every possible opportunity for success in the first place.
"It doesn’t make any sense. Why take this action? Why rob a responsible, family focused, young man of his opportunity to compete? If Darrell played, who’s the victim? What’s the NCAA protecting, exactly?"
Patronis made it a point to point out that his concern isn't because Jackson plays football for his alma mater. Senator Rubio holds degrees from both the University of Miami and the University of Florida, both of which are rivals of the Seminoles. He said the issue is bigger than sports.
"Again, you can tell this issue is bigger than sports when Canes, Gators, Noles, and the entire state of Florida, come together to support Darrell and his family."
Whether or not Jackson will see the field on Saturdays this upcoming season remains to be seen, but he appears to have garnered attention and support from the state and has many eyes and ears waiting on the NCAA's next move in his corner.
The full letter can be found here.
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