Justin Fields eligible immediately at Ohio State, issues statement

Former UGA quarterback Justin Fields has been ruled immediately eligible to play at Ohio State, the NCAA announced on Friday.

Justin Fields transferred to Ohio State after not receiving much playing time as a true freshman in Athens. Fields was second string behind true sophomore Jake Fromm and likely would have remained there heading into the 2019 season.

Below is the release from the NCAA:

The transfer waiver application seeking immediate eligibility for student-athlete Justin Fields that The Ohio State University submitted to the NCAA has been approved. Fields will be eligible to compete in the 2019-20 academic year.

“I am happy for Justin and his family,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said. “I also want to express my appreciation to the NCAA for its assistance in getting this matter resolved efficiently and with such a positive outcome for Justin.”

Shortly after the NCAA’s release, Justin Fields issued a statement. He addressed his time in Athens and rumors that were reported by several websites concerning his treatment in Athens.

I thank God for His guidance during this time of uncertainty. I would like to thank the NCAA for its approval of the waiver allowing me to be eligible to play football this fall. I also want to thank all those who supported and encouraged my family and me during this process. While my case was pending before the NCAA, my family and I did not feel that it was appropriate to publicly speak about the circumstances leading to my transfer. In my silence, people began to speculate, and the story took on a life of its own.

Now that this matter is concluded, I would like to clarify some facts. I have no regrets about my time at UGA and have no hard feelings for the school or football program. My overall experience at UGA was fully consistent with UGA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. My sister is a softball player at UGA. I am still close friends with many of my UGA teammates. A part of me will always be a Georgia Bulldogs fan.

To Buckeye Nation: thank you for your warm welcome. I will work hard to represent you and The Ohio State University in a professional and respectful manner. My dad always tells me that “you can’t get to where you are going by looking in the ‘rear view mirror.”‘ I’m ready to move forward and embrace the next season of my life. I will not be speaking about my transfer again. Instead, I will focus all of my attention on getting to work in the classroom and on the field- and doing whatever else I can to help my teammates as we prepare for the 2019 season.

Now that this matter has been resolved, the Justin Fields saga appears to be over. Moving forward, discussion should turn to his performance for Ohio State.

It’s possible that the Georgia Bulldogs will meet the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff during the next few seasons. If that happens, of course it’s Go Dawgs!