Ravi Moss, the former University of Kentucky basketball player who joined the Wildcat football team this spring, has decided to give up football.
Moss, who had not played football since the sixth grade, came out for the team on March 29 and went through two practices as a wide receiver, then decided not to continue. Following that decision, he participated in a ?barnstorming game? and two autograph sessions with other UK basketball seniors and was paid for those appearances. Moss had a change of heart and returned to the football team on April 15.
However, accepting payment for the barnstorming game and autograph sessions was a breach of the NCAA regulation that does not allow student-athletes with remaining eligibility to market their athletic reputations. On May 15, it was announced that the NCAA would require Moss to sit out the first six games of the 2006 season.
?After much thought and consideration, Ravi has decided to forego the football season,? Coach Rich Brooks said. ?He felt that missing half the games would not make it worth doing what was needed to prepare for the season. Given the NCAA ruling, we certainly understand and wish him well. We appreciate the effort he gave us.?
NFL Europe Wrapup: Four former Kentucky Wildcats have finished the season in NFL Europe.
Punter Glenn Pakulak and defensive lineman Jeremy Caudill played for the Amsterdam Admirals, who tied for the regular-season championship and advanced to the World Bowl title game. Pakulak, whose rights are owned by the Oakland Raiders, led the league in punting with a 42.1-yard average. Caudill, whose rights are owned by the Philadelphia Eagles, totaled 14 tackles during the season, including one quarterback sack and caused one fumble.
Quarterback Shane Boyd and defensive lineman Otis Grigsby played for the Cologne Centurions. Boyd completed 54.1 percent of his passes for 1,139 yards and five touchdowns. He added 339 rushing yards. His rights are owned by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Grigsby, a member of the Carolina Panthers, amassed 20 tackles during the season, including 3.5 sacks, caused one fumble, and recovered one fumble.
