Web produced by: Ian PreuthWEST HARRISON, Ind. (AP) -- The NCAA has turned down Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk's final appeal for one more year of eligibility.
The NCAA informed Mauk on Friday that it would not grant him one more year of eligibility to play for the Bearcats, whom he led to a Top 25 ranking last season.
Mauk had twice appealed for an extra year of eligibility based on injuries he sustained during his career, but the NCAA turned him down.
The decision means that senior Dustin Grutza will be the starter this season.
Mauk came back from a broken arm and separated shoulder to throw for 31 touchdowns and 3,121 yards last season, when Cincinnati finished with a No. 17 ranking.
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Release from the University of Cincinnati:
NCAA Reinstatement Committee Upholds Denial of Sixth Year for Mauk
CINCINNATI - The NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, consisting of five individuals from NCAA Division I conferences and institutions, upheld the NCAA staff’s May 1 final decision to deny the extension of eligibility request for University of Cincinnati quarterback Ben Mauk.
The judgment to uphold the NCAA’s original decision was based upon case precedent, stating there was not sufficient medical documentation or any other objective supporting information to substantiate the claim that Mauk missed the 2003-04 season due to an incapacitating injury.
The committee followed its procedures to review the appeal based on the submitted written materials and did not move to a telephonic review based on the issues involved. The committee felt the written submission was complete and that they could make a fair decision based on the facts presented.
The appeal to the committee was the last action available for Mauk to gain the approval to play in games this upcoming season.
“Obviously we were disappointed,” said UC head football coach Brian Kelly. “It’s unfortunate, but Ben will handle this with the same resilience he has shown as a football player. I know he is looking forward to the next chapter of his life whether it is playing football or pursuing a career in criminal justice.”
Mauk played in 12 of 13 games in a Cincinnati uniform during the 2007 season, and set a program record with 31 passing touchdowns. As the head of the UC offense, Mauk helped established school season records for scoring (472 points), touchdowns (63), and passing touchdowns (36), while leading UC to a No. 17 final Associated Press ranking and a 10-3 finish. He ended the year completing 235-of-386 passes (60.9 percent) for 3,121 yards through the air and was 11th in the nation in passing efficiency (150.64).
Mauk earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Wake Forest University in May of 2007. Mauk is currently pursuing his master’s degree in criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati.
