PROVO, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – After a review of the NCAA agent/draft rules and a reinstatement request, the NCAA has reinstated BYU forward Yoeli Childs with a nine-game suspension. It was determined he was not in compliance with the new rules instituted during the 2018-19 season as a response to the 2018 Rice Commission Report.
Following the 2018-19 season, Childs declared for the 2019 NBA Draft and signed with an agent. As of the end of the 2018-19 season, student-athletes with remaining eligibility are permitted by the NCAA to sign with an agent and maintain their remaining eligibility while they explore their options. Agents are permitted to cover certain expenses for their clients during that time.
The NCAA determined that Childs’ signing with an agent was impermissible due to the fact that he signed before filing paperwork required by the NCAA.
In discussing a possible return with the new coaching staff, it became apparent there were some misunderstandings with the new rules.
On May 30, 2019, Childs announced his intentions to return to BYU for his senior season, and BYU commenced the process to reinstate Childs with the NCAA. It was determined that Childs received expenses not permitted by the NCAA – costs related to a basketball trainer and travel expenses. Childs promptly payed back all of the expenses, plus interest.
“We are excited to have Yoeli Childs at BYU,” BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe said. “He chose to test the waters of turning professional and thought he was doing what was right to maintain his eligibility, which would allow him to return for his senior year. Amid the confusion of the NCAA allowing student athletes to sign with agents and still return to school, Yoeli was caught in the transition of a changing landscape. We are disappointed with the NCAA’s decision to withhold nine games of his senior season. Yoeli was honest and forthright throughout the reinstatement process. He clearly communicated his desire to return to BYU to graduate and compete with his teammates. Yoeli Childs is an outstanding student athlete with a bright future.”
The NCAA upheld its decision to suspend Childs following an appeal by BYU.
