Welcome to Tone-Deaf Bureaucracy

Now, starring Corey Surrency

A seldom-used regulation cuts short the college career of Florida State's Corey Surrency.

The rule in question:

The rule is No. 14.2.3.5 in the NCAA Division I Manuel [sic]. It is titled, "Participation After 21st Birthday," and it mandates the following: If an individual participates in an organized sport after his 21st birthday, but before enrolling in college, that participation "shall count as one year of varsity competition in that sport.

Welcome to Tone-Deaf Bureaucracy indeed.

Surrency played with the (Tampa, Florida) Kings after he had turned 21. Had he not, he might never have had the chance to go to college. Regardless, though, his time with the Kings has cost him his final year of eligibility — at least for now. Florida State is appealing on Surrency's behalf.

If FSU loses the appeal, Surrency's college football career would be over. It's likely, too, that [with the loss of his athletic scholarship] his pursuit of earning a degree in criminal justice — Surrency would become the first member of his family to earn a college degree — would also be over.

As if the bureaucracy cared.

Obscure rule thwarts rising NCAA football star