UNC's Walker granted eligibility after NCAA receives 'new information'

North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker has been deemed eligible for the rest of the 2023 season after the NCAA received "new information" from the school, the association announced Thursday.

The information leading to Walker's reinstatement hadn't been made available by North Carolina previously, according to the NCAA.

"It is unfortunate that UNC failed to provide this important information previously. While we must be careful not to compromise a student athlete's right to privacy when it comes to sensitive issues, we want to assure the Division I standards," NCAA president Charlie Baker said in a statement.

However, Tar Heels athletic director Bubba Cunningham called the NCAA's claims "not accurate," according to Bryan Fischer of Fox Sports. Cunningham said the school submitted all necessary information as it became available and maintains the belief that Walker should've been granted an eligibility waiver before the season.

The NCAA previously ruled Walker ineligible in August, and his appeal was also met with the same fate in September, drawing fury from Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown. The sideline boss said the NCAA "failed" Walker and that it was "clear" that the NCAA "couldn't care less" about its athletes. Brown also added that the NCAA and those behind the initial decision should be "ashamed of themselves."

The NCAA president criticized North Carolina for not providing the new material sooner and described Brown and the program's conduct as "inappropriate."

"UNC's behavior and decision to wage a public relations campaign is inappropriate and outside the bounds of the process UNC's own staff supported," Baker added. "Had the UNC staff not behaved in this fashion and submitted this information weeks ago, this entire unfortunate episode could have been avoided."

Brown thanked the NCAA on Thursday for re-examining Walker's case and granting him eligibility.

"This is, and always has been, about the welfare of this young man, and we can't wait to see him on the field doing what he loves to do," Brown said in a statement, per The Associated Press' Ralph D. Russo.

Walker was initially deemed ineligible due to the NCAA's current two-time transfer rule, which requires players making a second transfer to sit out a year, barring a waiver. Walker began his college career at North Carolina Central in 2020 but never played for the school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He later transferred to Kent State before transferring to North Carolina in 2023.

Walker expressed gratitude for the support he's received throughout the process and shared his excitement for suiting up for the Tar Heels on Saturday when they take on Syracuse.

"I can't wait to put on that jersey, run out of the tunnel, and play in Kenan Stadium," Walker wrote, per Russo. "I've been dreaming of this for a long time, and now it will be a reality."

Brown previously said the wide receiver should receive eligibility for a number of reasons, including "mental health issues he's faced during his time in college."