Gloger '05 requests a sixth year

Former basketball star Spencer Gloger '05 confirmed Thursday that he plans to petition the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility. If his request is granted, he would able to return to the court next season.

Erin McDermott, the NCAA compliance officer in Princeton's Department of Athletics, said that, while she has heard of Gloger's plans through "the rumor mill," he has not spoken to her.

According to NCAA rules, the University itself must draft and submit the request on behalf of the student-athlete.

According to Gloger, it is head coach John Thompson '88 who must ask McDermott to begin the application process, something he hopes will happen next week.

"I still need to clarify some things with him," Gloger said.

Thompson acknowledged awareness of Gloger's intentions but declined any further comment. According to men's basketball sports information director Dave Rosenfield, Thompson has said that Gloger will not play this year.

Five-year 'clock'

Normally, student-athletes have a five-year "clock" to complete four years of athletic eligibility. But under extenuating circumstances, players may peitition for a sixth year. The rule states that the player must have been unable to compete for two full years due to a "hardship out of his control," McDermott said.

"I don't know all the situation, so it's hard for me to comment on the case," McDermott said, "but I don't think the odds would be very good."

Devastating injuries are the most common cause for such special appeals. University of Oklahoma quarterback Jason White, who won this year's Heisman Trophy, was granted a sixth year after missing two full seasons because of torn ACLs.

Gloger's confirmed that his appeal would be made on medical grounds. He said he severed a tendon in his hand in an August car accident. As a result, he has been unable to play competitively.

The injury had not previously been made public. Gloger's injury does not appear to meet the two-year requirement, as it occured only six months ago. Gloger said he was "unaware" of specific NCAA rules.

"I'm still recovering, but it's getting much better," Gloger said. "I know for a fact I'll make a full recovery."

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Gloger's five-year clock began ticking during the 1999-2000 season as a Princeton freshman, when he averaged 12.0 points per game. But at the end of that year, he transferred to UCLA, sitting out the next season in compliance with NCAA rules. He then returned to Princeton for the 2001-2002 school year, again sitting out as a transfer.

Last season, Gloger's second stint on the court, lasted 20 games before he was declared academically ineligible in February. He then withdrew from school for two semesters, re-enrolling two weeks ago.

Since returning to the University two weeks ago, his status has been the subject of speculation. Gloger has been eligible to rejoin the Tigers since the spring semester began.

Whether or not he plays this season, his five-year clock expires in May.