Despite whether you believe student athletes deserve to be paid or not, rules are rules. Tennessee defensive tackle, Maurice Couch, had to learn that the hard way. According to USA Today, the NCAA has ruled Couch permanently ineligible after reports surfaced back in September that the redshirt senior received improper benefits from an agent. According to the report, the Florida native received four payments equaling $1350.
Maurice Couch sent off a string of tweets thanking his family, fans, and coaches for all of their support.
#Volnation #salute u guys are the best, I dont have any regrets about coming to UT regardless all the adversity we have faced! #VFL
— maurice couch (@MoTrilla44) October 26, 2013
At the end of the day, what’s most important is I have my family, my degree, and love n support from the Volnation!# salute
— maurice couch (@MoTrilla44) November 1, 2013
And thanks to UT, coaches, teammates, Volnation, and everyone else involved sincerely appreciate everything you done for me. #salute
— maurice couch (@MoTrilla44) November 1, 2013
It is unfortunate that Couch’s collegiate career will have to come to a premature end over $1350, but rules are rules. Tennessee plans to appeal the NCAA’s decision citing their initial cooperation with the NCAA. They suspended him immediately when the NCAA began their investigation and they are hoping the NCAA will cut them some slack because of this.