Alabama reverses its stance, will grant Daisha Simmons waiver

The University of Alabama says it will support a waiver to allow Daisha Simmons to play at Seton Hall this season, reversing its previous denial:

The Simmons situation had prompted criticism of Alabama from media outlets and social media in recent weeks.

Initially, Alabama had given Simmons a release from her scholarship to transfer to Seton Hall but had not supported the waiver. The NCAA had ruled that without the waiver from her previous school, she would need to sit out this season but could play in 2015-16.

Simmons said illnesses in her immediate family contributed to her desire to transfer to Seton Hall, which is close to her home in New Jersey. She wants to finish her collegiate career this season.

Simmons’ older brother, Chaz, has kidney disease; he is on dialysis awaiting a transplant. Her mother, Christena, works two jobs in support of the family and has been dealing with health issues as well.

In a statement Tuesday, Alabama athletic director Bill Battle said, “Much of the university’s original decision not to endorse a waiver was based on the fact that Miss Simmons declined to provide any information supporting her reasoning for seeking a waiver. This was despite requests to obtain documentation verifying hardship to support a waiver request.”

Simmons said UA knew about the situation:

And now Simmons has spoken out again, opting to respond to claims that Alabama wasn’t fully aware of her family’s issues when she sought transfer. Simmons’ brother is battling a life-threatening kidney condition and currently waiting on a list for a kidney transfer. Simmons drives him almost every day for dialysis treatments. Meanwhile, Simmons’ mother has reportedly battled undisclosed health issues of her own in recent months.

Wow.

More college news:

An NCAA Tournament encore will be tough for BYU. They plan to push the pace this year.

For South Carolina, a national championship is the only goal.

Maryland coach Brenda Frese is wondering what it will be like for the Terps in the Big Ten this season.

Texas Tech looks to rebound from a tough season last year.

Tennessee-Chattanooga has a new look this year.

Penn State is young this season.

Iowa State’s future is bright with Jadda Buckley and Seanna Johnson.

Q&A;with Oregon forward Jillian Alleyne.

Green Bay coach Kevin Borseth’s contract has been extended through 2018-2019.