Arkansas commit Nick Smith Jr. cleared to play 2021-22 HS season

The saga of Arkansas commit Nick Smith Jr.’s eligibility came to a reasonable conclusion Wednesday when he was cleared to play the 2021-22 high school season in Arkansas.

The Pulaski County Special School District and North Little Rock School District released a joint statement saying that they will allow Smith, who is not named in the statement, to play with Little Rock (Ark.) North Little Rock.

Smith had been ruled ineligible Sunday for a recruiting violation.

Smith transferred from Sherwood (Ark.) Sylvan Hills to North Little Rock over the summer. There are strength coaches who volunteer with North Little Rock who work at a gym Smith has worked out at since the sixth grade. Because they did not fill out paperwork acknowledging this relationship, it was ruled a transfer violation.

But after further review and outcry from the public, the decision to rule Smith ineligible was reversed.

“NLRSD and PCSSD superintendents extensively conferred with (Arkansas Activities Association) and, after additional conversations over the last two days, it became apparent the AAA is not prepared to resolve this issue,” the joint statement read. “Both school districts agree there were violations of AAA rules but have determined this was at no fault of the student-athlete or the family. Therefore, it is time to move forward in the best interest of our student-athletes and stakeholders.”

Nick Smith’s family has been vocal online

Nick Smith’s family did not take his ineligibility lightly. They took to Twitter to express their displeasure over the last few days.

Father, mother and son have all tweeted about the decision, explaining their side and displeasure at the powers that be.

This is a classic case of pointing the finger! Not to mention that according to AAA own rule book there was no violation! Attached is a part of the evidence on recruiting. AFA with my 9 year old happy birthday! All parties involved should be ashamed. Sylvan Hills,Central,NLR,AAA https://t.co/740dTi7TYj pic.twitter.com/c4ldpVOVD9

— Nick Smith Sr (@nicktsmith19) October 26, 2021

When this is all over I am going to challenge this rule and make sure all athletic rules and regulations are kept in the forefront so that no other athlete will experience this. There are so many more circumstances that caused our family to move to NLR. He had no choice. https://t.co/r0JvGwTGMp

— Candace Smith (@candiapple02) October 26, 2021

everything gone come out to light🗣

— Nick Smith Jr (@ntsmith1402) October 26, 2021

This was a major deal in Arkansas

The state government even got involved with the decision as Arkansas state Sen. Missy Irvin said Tuesday she wanted the AAA to appear before the House and Senate Education committees on Thursday to talk about the decision.

The AAA has said it was not their call to rule Smith ineligble.

Even with Wednesday’s news, Irvin still wants the AAA to appear before the committees.

Excellent news. I look forward to our Senate Education committee meeting to begin the process of much needed reforms so ALL students have the most opportunities possible to succeed in academics, activities and athletics. @ntsmith1402 Thank you for being that agent of change! https://t.co/wAk5cXoIKq

— Missy Thomas Irvin (@ARSenMissyIrvin) October 27, 2021

This saga was so wide reaching that Washington Wizards All-Star guard Bradley Beal chimed in on Twitter to defend Smith.

What’s being done to @ntsmith1402 is flat out bogus!!! The kid represents the state on a national level, and decides his future will be attending the state university, but yet, he cannot play his Sr year. #WEAK #FOH

— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) October 26, 2021

Smith plays for Beal’s AAU team.