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PROVO, Utah -- Six months after suffering a season-ending leg injury, offensive lineman Ben Archibald was today informed the NCAA has denied his appeal for a sixth season.
"We were hopeful the NCAA would overturn its earlier decision," Archibald said. "But looking at the circumstances, we knew this was the way it could turn out. It has been a long process, and I'm glad it's over. We can now start to get on with making plans for the future."
In a letter addressed to Archibald, the NCAA upheld its earlier decision that determined he should not be granted an extension of eligibility. The NCAA ruled that since Archibald had voluntarily used a red-shirt season in 1996, he had "not been denied more than one participation opportunity due to circumstances beyond the student-athlete's and institution's control."
"This was an unfortunate situation for Ben," BYU head coach Gary Crowton said. "We wish Ben would have been able to come back for a final season, but it didn't work out. He is a terrific young man and we are going to miss him. He's going to try out for the NFL, and he'll have his degree. Things are going to work out well for him. We wish him all the best."
Archibald said he now intends to secure an agent, and will prepare to work out for the NFL scouts later in March. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound lineman said he has regained much of the strength in his leg, and has seen a significant increase in his overall strength and speed over the past month.
Written by BYU Athletic Media Relations
