Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce a significant victory for our client, Christian Moss, a talented wide receiver who most recently played for the Kennesaw State University football team. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has granted Mr. Moss an extension of his eligibility, allowing him to compete in an additional season during the 2026-27 academic year. This favorable outcome underscores our firm’s dedication to advocating for college athletes who face unforeseen challenges that impact their collegiate careers.
Mr. Moss’s case stemmed from a severe injury sustained during spring football practice at Virginia Tech on April 12, 2023. He suffered a dislocation and fracture of his right middle finger, which required immediate surgical intervention on April 13, 2023, including the insertion of a metal pin for stability. Medical documentation, including contemporaneous notes from treating physicians and occupational therapists, confirms that the recovery process extended well into November 2023, with persistent limitations in range of motion, grip strength, and pain management. These factors directly hindered Mr. Moss’s ability to participate in the sport and demonstrate his value to the team under a new coaching staff.
Compounding the injury, Mr. Moss was removed from the Virginia Tech roster shortly after the spring transfer portal window closed on April 30, 2023, while retaining his athletic aid pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 15.5.1.8. This timing prevented him from entering the transfer portal immediately, as his scholarship was not reduced or canceled, which would have triggered an exception for entry. As a result, Mr. Moss remained at Virginia Tech without competing during the 2023-24 season and only transferred to Kennesaw State in January 2024 after entering the portal in the fall. The institutional statements from Kennesaw State, supported by squad lists, transcripts, and medical records, clearly established that these events constituted denied participation opportunities outside of Mr. Moss’s control.
Despite an initial denial of the hardship waiver and extension request, our comprehensive appeal, bolstered by detailed evidence and institutional support, persuaded the NCAA to reverse its decision. This resolution not only rectifies the inequities Mr. Moss faced but also aligns with the principles of fairness embedded in NCAA bylaws governing eligibility extensions.
At Heitner Legal, P.L.L.C., with over 16 years of experience in sports law, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect the rights of athletes at all levels. If you are a college athlete navigating eligibility challenges or other legal matters, we invite you to contact our firm for dedicated representation.