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UNC Football: Governor Cooper urges NCAA to reinstate Devontez Walker

By Nick Delahanty

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) greets student fans before the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the Dean E. Smith Center on January 21, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) greets student fans before the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at the Dean E. Smith Center on January 21, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The Governor of North Carolina is trying to help the UNC football program in its quest to have wide receiver transfer Devontez Walker reinstated.

Shocking news broke early this week as the NCAA denied the immediate eligibility of Kent State transfer Devontez Walker.

After originally being granted the immediate eligibility waiver, the UNC football program was advised that the ruling was overturned. Now, just a little over 20 days before opening kickoff, the status of Walker, who is expected to play a big role in the UNC football program’s offense, is certainly in doubt.

In an effort to help out a fellow Tar Heel, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is urging the NCAA to reconsider this ruling.

Cooper, a University of North Carolina graduate, sent the above letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker on behalf of Walker. Although he is a well-known political figure, Cooper states in the letter that this is the first time he’s taken action on something NCAA related:

"“This is the first time I have taken such an action, but this is an unusual and compelling case amidst the backdrop of all the major changes happening in the NCAA.”"

Walker is currently being considered by the NCAA as a two-time transfer, given that he transferred from NC Central to Kent State (even though he never played at NC Central due to COVID-19 cancellations). The UNC football program is appealing the decision, stating that he should be regarded as a one-time transfer due to the circumstances.

Cooper understands how much this opportunity means to Walker, and is doing anything he can to help the NCAA change its mind while allowing the rising junior to compete this season.

"“I realize this is one of hundreds of decisions you need to make, but nothing could be more important to Tez than this opportunity to get one of the finest university educations in the country at UNC and to compete in front of his family in Carolina Blue.”"

If you’d like to help the cause, sign the official petition to grant Devontez Walker immediate eligibility for the 2023 season here.

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