June 2, 2006
University of Iowa offensive lineman Lee Gray’s application for a sixth year of eligibility has been turned down. The announcement came today from Hawkeye Football Coach Kirk Ferentz.
Gray, a 6-6, 320-pounder from Dallas started 11 of 12 games in 2004 but missed what should have been his senior season in 2005 due to a significant knee injury. The NCAA rejected Gray’s appeal for another year of eligibility and the ruling ends his Iowa career.
“It’s unfortunate for Lee,” said Ferentz. “We thought we had a very realistic chance on the appeal, but the NCAA ruled against it. We’ll have to move forward. The important thing is that Lee has completed his academic work. We’ll sit down and map out a plan that best suits Lee and his future.”
In another football related matter, two redshirt freshmen, Corey Robertson and Kalvin Bailey, have left school and will likely attend a junior college this fall. Robertson is a 6-1, 222-pounder from Denison, TX. Bailey is a 6-0, 245-pounder from Tampa, FL.
“We wish both players the best and we will follow their progress in the future”, said Ferentz.