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Former Word of God basketball star John Wall has been cleared by the NCAA to play this season -- after he sits out two games and pays back almost $800 in travel expenses "incurred during Wall's unofficial visits to various institutions during his junior year at Word of God Christian Academy," according to a statement released by Kentucky on Friday night.
"I'm grateful to have this decision behind me. All I ever wanted was to go to school and play ball with my team," Wall, who grew up in Raleigh and is considered the best freshman point guard prospect in the nation, said in the prepared statement. "This has been really hard for my mom, and I want to thank her for her support during this process."
Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive told ESPN.com last week that the NCAA's agents and amateurism group was looking into the eligibility of Wall.
The Web site reported that Kentucky has been researching Wall's eligibility for months because Brian Clifton, who is in charge of Wall's D-One club program, was a certified agent with basketball's international governing body for about a year. Wall played for the team from 2006 to 2008.
According to NCAA rules, an athlete can be ruled ineligible if he accepts transportation or other benefits from an agent "even if the agent has indicated that he or she has no interest in representing the student-athlete in the marketing of his or her athletics ability or reputation, and does not represent individuals in the student-athlete's sport."
The News & Observer confirmed that Clifton was an agent with FIBA from May 14, 2007 to April 17, 2008, although he has never been registered in North Carolina. Wall made at least two unofficial visits to Lexington before he signed with Kentucky.
According to Kentucky's news release: "The repayment of expenses includes a total of $787.58, consisting predominantly of travel expenses incurred during Wall's unofficial visits to various institutions during his junior year at Word of God Christian Academy."
D-One spokesman DeWayne Peevy said Friday night he does not know who paid those expenses; questions trying to clarify the issues that were e-mailed to the NCAA by the N&O were not immediately answered. Peevy said the repaid funds will go to charity, and Wall has chosen Lexington's Hope Center. The money will help pay for Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless.
Wall will sit out the Wildcats' exhibition game vs. Campbellsville on Monday, and their Nov. 13 opener against Morehead State.
He will be eligible when Kentucky hosts North Carolina on Dec. 5.
