Maye: ‘An embarassment’ Walker lost out on Heels’ win

• David Hale, ESPN Staff WriterSep 3, 2023,

  12:38 AM ET Close

  • ACC reporter.Joined ESPN in 2012. Graduate of the University of Delaware.CHARLOTTE,
  • N.C.– North Carolina’s offense had little

difficulty adapting to life without its leading two wide receivers, as Heisman Prize competitor Drake Maye tossed for 269 backyards and 2 touchdowns in a 31-17 success over South Carolina.But that didn’t keep Maye from revealing frustration about the NCAA’s judgment that prevented transfer wideout Devontez Walker from playing on Saturday.Maye used Walker’s jersey– spun backward to reveal Walker’s nameplate– when dealing with media after the game

, and Maye said the NCAA was punishing a player from achieving a lifetime dream, all in the name of making a declaration.” He lives five or 10 minutes from here, matured in Charlotte, “said Maye, who shared a psychological moment with Walker coming off the field after the win. “We like Tez. He’s an amazing guy, and it’s a pity what’s taken place.”Walker, a two-time transfer who arrived at North Carolina in January, was rejected a waiver by the NCAA this summertime, and his appeal was rejected on Thursday– simply two days prior to the game.Editor’s Picks 2 Related North Carolina likewise was without beginning slot receiver Nate McCollum, leaving Maye with a receiving corps he had not

worked thoroughly with throughout

fall camp or the past week of practice.The choice on Walker’s eligibility follows a new guideline passed in January to restrict multiple transfers by the same player prior to graduation. In Walker’s case, nevertheless

, his very first transfer from North Carolina Central was available in 2020 after that school canceled its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and his second transfer from Kent State to UNC took place before the new guideline was passed.A 2nd committee of representatives from Department I schools will meet again this Thursday to make a decision on Walker’s accessibility in 2023, and Maye said he “hopes they’ll make the

right decision.”On Friday, North Carolina coach Mack Brown provided a harsh declaration important of the NCAA’s ruling, stating he invested much of the week stressed over Walker’s psychological health.” He truly didn’t manage it well throughout

the week, “Brown said of Walker.” He had a hard time throughout practice. I do not know that he would’ve played well if he had played because there’s so much pressure on him.”Brown said Walker had more than 30 relative going to the game, including his grandma, who assisted raise him.North Carolina fan and country music star Eric Church put on Walker’s jersey on the sideline throughout the contest then presented Walker with a game ball in the locker space after the win.Brown stated the honor was been worthy of, keeping in mind that Walker made a point of rallying colleagues on the

sideline, including fellow pass receiver Gavin Blackwell, who dropped 2 passes throughout the game.”I was so delighted that he was talking to Gavin and stating,’Begin, man, you’re excellent,'”Brown stated.