The wheels are in motion for a decision on the eligibility of Kansas’ Silvio De Sousa.
The Jayhawks forward’s attorney has formally requested the NCAA reinstate De Sousa after Kansas acknowledged a violation took place in his case, according to the Kansas City Star.
“I represent University of Kansas men’s basketball student-athlete Silvio De Sousa,” the statement distributed to media from attorney Scott Tompsett said. “Silvio has cooperated fully and completely with the investigation of his NCAA eligibility, which has now caused him to miss over half of his sophomore season.
“Silvio came to the United States from Angola at the age of 15, and he did everything he was supposed to do and was asked to do to become an eligible student-athlete at the University of Kansas. Silvio followed the rules. He did nothing wrong.
“If adults did something illicit or against the rules, they did it without Silvio’s knowledge or involvement. Their actions and conduct can be dealt with through the courts and/or the NCAA major infractions process. It’s time for the NCAA to be fair to Silvio and immediately reinstate his eligibility.”
The move comes after it was reported earlier this week that Kansas would acknowledge a violation took place, presumably from testimony in federal court from adidas consultant TJ Gassnola that he paid De Sousa’s guardian, Fenny Falmagne, who has previously denied taking money.
While De Sousa’s eligibility this season is the immediate concern for the Jayhawks, who are tied atop the Big 12 and wre without starting center Udoka Azubuike for the season due to injury, but there will also be the matter of De Sousa’s participation for Kansas’ 2017-18 team, which reached the Final Four.
De Sousa has not appeared in a game for Kansas this season with questions about his eligibility status uncertain.