Chris Walker has finally been freed.
The NCAA announced Wednesday that it will clear the freshman forward after a 12-game suspension for No. 3 Florida’s matchup against Missouri on Tuesday at 9 p.m. in the O’Connell Center.
Since enrolling at UF on Dec. 14, 2013, after missing the fall semester due to academic eligibility issues, Walker will finish out his 12-game suspension — encompassing 40 percent of the 2013-14 season — because he received preferential treatment from five people, including two agents, the NCAA said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
The impermissible benefits he received while he was a high school prospect ranged from free cell phones and service, airfare, lodging, meals and apparel. Individuals close to Walker also received airfare and lodging for nine different trips — eight related to Walker’s non-scholastic basketball team competitions, the statement said.
Walker will be required to donate the $270 he received from agents to a charity of his choice, according to the NCAA. He must also serve 80 hours of community service as retribution for his other received benefits.
According to the NCAA’s statement, UF filed for Walker’s reinstatement on Jan. 21 and then worked with the NCAA to gather the facts before its decision Wednesday.
“We’re glad there’s a resolution for everyone involved, especially for Chris,” coach Billy Donovan said in a school release. “We appreciate everyone’s participation in this process and are ready to move forward.”
Added Walker in the release: “I appreciate all the support from UF, coach Donovan and my teammates, and I’m looking forward to helping the team any way I can.”
When asked about Walker on Monday, Donovan’s demeanor seemed more optimistic than usual, pointing to the belief that progress was being made with the situation. But during previous weeks, the situation had been a sensitive topic between Donovan and the media.
On Jan. 21, the day after Orlando’s WFTV sports anchor Christian Bruey incorrectly reported that Walker would be cleared following Florida’s game against Alabama last Thursday, Donovan told reporters to “just listen to us and our school” when pertaining to Walker’s status.
“I’m not going to address it anymore,” he said.
Two days later, Donovan began his interview with the media by remarking, “No update on Chris Walker,” before any reporter asked a question.
The situation even became a small distraction during home contests. Florida fans have chanted “Free Chris Walker” before and during game action. The Gators’ matchup on Tuesday night against the Tigers figures to see an even more raucous atmosphere in the O’Connell Center with Walker playing his first game as a Gator.
Before Walker’s much-hyped debut, No. 3 Florida (17-2, 6-0 SEC) will play without him when it faces Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., tonight at 7 and hosts Texas A&M on Saturday at 4 p.m.
But after 46 days of waiting in limbo while the NCAA reviewed his eligibility, Walker finally knows his fate with the team.
Donovan said Monday that he would immediately play Walker, the No. 6 recruit in the Class of 2013 according to Rivals.com, if the Bonifay native were cleared. During the NCAA’s investigation, the 6-foot-10 Walker has practiced with the team.
“He’s playing well and he’s doing well,” Donovan said Monday. “We’ll keep him out there.”
Despite missing a fair share of practice in the fall and having to play catch-up, Walker has earned praise from his teammates, who have been impressed with his freakish athleticism and willingness to learn. Since arriving at UF weighing 203 pounds, Walker has gained about 7-10 pounds in more than six weeks.
Many Florida fans have envisioned Walker as the No. 3 Gators’ top talent, but Donovan has repeatedly told them to temper their expectations of Walker, who goes by the nickname “Skywalker.”
Walker should come off the bench and join a frontcourt rotation of forwards Casey Prather, Will Yeguete, Dorian Finney-Smith and center Patric Young.
“My biggest fear for Chris is you have a highly explosive player and sometimes when the guy’s not playing, the legend of Chris Walker grows greater than who he really actually is, you know,” Donovan said Monday.
“It’s like, ‘My God, this guy is going to end up being Kevin Garnett.’ I mean, he’s not that. And I think if anybody, whenever he gets able to play, if that’s your expectation of Chris Walker, then you’re going to be very, very disappointed because he’s not that.
“I hope that there is at least a level of understanding in terms of how much he’s missed coming in to where he’s coming in, and if anybody’s expecting him to be a savior, it would really be unfair.”
Follow Landon Watnick on Twitter @LandonWatnick
Chris Walker (second from left) looks on during Florida’s win against Tennessee on Saturday in the O’Connell Center.
