Once again, the NCAA shows it does not care about athletes.

While we all await judgment on UNC, which we expect to be over-reaching for a school that has suffered from NCAA organizational inertia the last four years, the governing body on college athletics strikes again with an unfair move.

Indiana University made an administrative mistake while admitting defense back Bryant Fitzgerald, which cost the freshman eligibility his first season. Fitzgerald is now a partial qualifier, which means he must sit out as a freshman and apparently cannot get the year back by red-shirting.

Indiana made the mistake and apologized to the athlete and his family and everyone else involved, including the NCAA. Of course, it hoped that the mistake would be overlooked by the NCAA and Fitzgerald’s eligibility reinstated. But, no it wasn’t on either count, and again the NCAA proves that it truly does not have the best interest of its athletes at heart.

In a statement issued Saturday, IU athletic director Fred Glass acknowledged the school’s compliance office failed to properly advise Fitzgerald of his eligibility requirements.

“Bryant Fitzgerald is a smart, outstanding young man who is academically prepared and capable of being very successful at IU,” Glass said. “His ineligibility is not his fault. It is ours. On behalf of myself and everyone associated with IU Athletics, I personally apologize to Bryant and his family for our mistake. While it was an isolated and unintended one, it is no less devastating to Bryant, and I could not feel worse about it.”

Indiana appealed to the NCAA on Aug. 3. It was denied Friday.

Glass also said the school has changed the process to ensure a similar mistake will not occur in the future. He also criticized the NCAA for not granting the waiver when it “could have and should have.” No kidding.

Fitzgerald will remain on full scholarship and will receive all student-athlete services but, as a non-qualifier, cannot play in games or practice this season.

Good job, NCAA, for not penalizing the school for making the mistake and letting the athlete play. Typical.

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