NCAA denies Masoli's waiver to play in 2010

OXFORD, Miss.  — The NCAA has denied Mississippi quarterback Jeremiah Masoli’s request for a waiver that would allow him to play immediately, meaning the former Oregon standout won’t be eligible until 2011.

Mississippi officials announced Tuesday plans to the appeal the ruling, with a response expected in less than one week.

“There is no question in my mind Jeremiah is in the right place,” Mississippi coach Houston Nutt said. “We’re in the people-helping business. I want to plead with that subcommittee. He’s done nothing but what he’s supposed to do.”

Masoli, a Saint Louis School alum, transferred to Mississippi after being kicked off Oregon’s team after two run-ins with police.

The senior has already completed his undergraduate degree, and enrolled in Mississippi’s Parks and Recreation graduate program. The NCAA will sometimes waive a one-year residency requirement for athletes who are transferring, but enrolling in a graduate program not offered at the previous school.

Masoli was expected to compete for the starting spot at Mississippi after leading Oregon to the Rose Bowl last season. Now the Rebels are down to two scholarship quarterbacks — sophomore Nathan Stanley, who is the likely starter, and junior college transfer Randall Mackey.

Masoli has not used his redshirt season, so he’ll be allowed to practice while sitting out this fall and be eligible for competition in 2011.