Agreement Reached to Admit Powe As Part-Time Student

        The University of Mississippi agreed Friday to temporarily admit Jerrell Powe as a part-time student until the question of his eligibility finally can be determined by the NCAA or the courts.
        The agreement was reached after lengthy discussions between attorneys for Powe, the university and the NCAA. Powe will not participate in the football program at this time, but will be a part-time student enrolled for less than 12 credit hours on the Oxford campus.
        "We have all worked together to assure that Jerrell Powe's interests are protected," said university attorney Lee Tyner. "By admitting him part-time, his long-term status is protected until a final determination of his eligibility can be made."
        Friday was the deadline for enrolling in fall semester classes and Powe's attorneys had received a court order requiring the university to admit him.  The court order was lifted Friday afternoon when all sides agreed to the plan and Powe was enrolled for classes.
        "From the beginning, Jerrell’s desire has been to be a student and play football at Ole Miss. This agreement brings him a step closer to fulfilling his dream for the time being, until all the issues are resolved," said Powe’s attorney DeWayne Thomas.
        The NCAA ruled last week that Powe was ineligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. The ruling resulted in a lawsuit filed Thursday on Powe's behalf to force the university to admit him and the NCAA to authorize him to play.
        The university has appealed the NCAA decision and the appeal is expected to be considered by an NCAA review panel Sept. 7.
        “This agreement allows the NCAA process to move forward, and for all information to be considered before the courts become involved,” said NCAA attorney Linda Salfrank.
        "In the meantime, Jerrell can continue his education while the issue of his athletics eligibility is resolved, whether by the NCAA or the courts," said Tyner.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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