Montana State transfer receiver academically ineligible for season

By The Associated Press - 09/14/2007

BOZEMAN (AP) — Montana State wide receiver DeAndre Green, a transfer from Contra Costa Community College, is academically ineligible for the season, the school said.

‘‘It’s not only devastating to him, but it’s a blow to our program as well,’’ MSU coach Rob Ash said Wednesday.

Green, of Oakland, Calif., was expected to be a starter after he caught 105 passes for more than 1,200 yards in two seasons at Contra Costa, where he was team MVP as a freshman.

He began attending MSU in January and had been practicing with the Bobcats. However, for academic reasons, he wasn’t cleared to play in the opening game against Texas A&M and didn’t make the trip.

MSU appealed the ruling to the NCAA, but was it was denied Tuesday.

Green won’t be able to play or travel with the team, but can practice. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.

‘‘He’s absolutely crushed,’’ Ash said. ‘‘He loves to play.’’

Ash said he will do all he can to make sure Green has every opportunity to be successful in class and on the field.

‘‘I’m totally committed to DeAndre,’’ he said, ‘‘in keeping him on track to graduate and helping him restore his eligibility.