Buckeyes’ Fields can play in 2019

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Quarterback Justin Fields has been granted a waiver that will allow him to play immediately for Ohio State after transferring from Georgia.

The former five-star recruit transferred to Ohio State last month after he got stuck behind Jake Fromm on Georgia’s depth chart.

Ohio State announced Friday that the NCAA has approved Fields’ request for a waiver of the rule requiring transfers to sit out a year. Fields is expected to compete for the starting quarterback spot after Dwayne Haskins Jr. left early to enter the NFL draft.

Fields was the target of a racial slur from a Georgia baseball player during the Bulldogs’ football game against Tennessee in September, and there was speculation the incident would become part of his appeal for a waiver. The NCAA can grant immediate eligibility to a transferring player who has “documented mitigating circumstances that are outside the student-athlete’s control and directly impact the health, safety and well-being of the student-athlete.”

The baseball player, who later posted an apology on Twitter and wrote that he was “on good terms” with Fields after speaking to him about the incident, was kicked off the team less than a week after the Tennessee-Georgia game.

In a statement issued by Ohio State on Friday, Fields said speculation about his transfer “took on a life of its own.”

“I have no regrets about my time at UGA and have no hard feelings for the school or football program,” Fields said. “My overall experience at UGA was fully consistent with UGA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

He said he would not make any further comments about his transfer and looks forward to preparing for the season.

“I am happy for Justin and his family,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “I also want to express my appreciation to the NCAA for its assistance in getting this matter resolved efficiently and with such a positive outcome for Justin.”