Zach Arnett calls NCAA’s decision to deny Geor'quarius Spivey’s wavier a ‘travesty’

As Mississippi State tight end Geor’Quarius Spivey remains in eligibility limbo, head coach Zach Arnett is fighting tooth and nail to get his guy on the field.

Spivey transferred over from TCU immediately following the Horned Frogs’ tremendous 2022 campaign that ended in the national title game. Since that contest occurred midway through January, the turnaround window to transfer and get enrolled in a new school was tiny.

Spivey said in a statement the other day (which you can read in full right here) that poor academic advising and that small window caused hiccups in the transfer which have forced him to sit out. Now, he and the MSU staff are pleading with the NCAA to make him eligible.

At Arnett’s press conference following the Bulldogs’ first victory under his tenure, he was asked about the latest on Spivey and said there’s no progress, but he’s also not sure the case is closed just yet.

“I do not know if that’s going to be the final decision in regards to his eligibility,” he answered, going on to compliment Spivey for sticking through this tough process.

“I don’t think you can say enough about him and how he’s handled himself through all of this. And again, simply put, but for an organization whose mission statement says it’s all about the well-being and the betterment for the student-athlete — well, all the adults failed him on this one.”

Arnett continued, noting that the decision to hold him out is tough both on the team and on Spivey himself, since he’s seemingly done everything he needs to in order to be eligible.

“Again, that is a that is a gigantic blow to our football team and our offense. And the blow that it is to us, that’s a fraction of the blow it is to Spivey and his family,” Arnett continued.

“He’s a young man who’s done everything that’s been asked of him, graduated. You see all kinds of grad transfers, second time transfers after graduating playing across college football last weekend and this weekend. The guy’s done everything that’s been asked of him. He’s achieved the ultimate goal of going to higher education, earning his four-year degree.

“To be stripped of his final year of eligibility is … well, I probably ought to watch what I say but it’s a travesty. It’s a travesty. And he and his family shouldn’t have to go through this.”

Even while on the sidelines for game day, Geor’Quarius Spivey remains and active and helpful piece of the program. Arnett loves his attitude.

“I hope he’s on our sideline every game. He’s certainly part of our program,” shared Arnett, noting what a nice practice player he’s been.

“Fact of the matter is: he still wants to come out and practice and do everything he can to help the team. ‘Hey coach, I’ll be on a scout team and try to prepare you guys at least better on defense.’ What’s that say about a guy like that?”

It says a lot, which is why Zach Arnett is so hopeful that Spivey will get to play.

“So my heart breaks for him and his family and hopefully some common sense comes to the committee and they realize the mistake they’ve made,” Arnett added.