Even though the NCAA Division I Council granted an eligibility waiver to spring student-athletes, the Ivy League will maintain its tradition and prevent graduate students from participating in athletics, according to a tweet from Dana O'Neil of the Athletic.
Source: Ivy League presidents did not approve one-time exception for fifth-year athletes. In other words, spring sport seniors do not get an extra year.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) April 2, 2020
O'Neil also tweeted more fallout from the decision.
Ivy League seniors CANNOT just become grad transfers. They'd count against the scholarship limits that had otherwise been waived by NCAA for spring sports. So it's a double kick in the pants
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) April 2, 2020
Because they cannot stay in conference, those players who choose to be graduate transfers in other conferences will count against scholarship limits.
O'Neil reported earlier this week that Michael Sowers had withdrawn from classes at Princeton in order to return in 2021 — a precedent set by Rob Pannell after he broke his foot, withdrew from classes and returned to Cornell in 2013 (what would have been his fifth year).
The status of other notable Ivy League seniors — TD Ierlan and Jeff Teat chief among them on the men's side and Gabby Rosenzweig, Erin Barry and Tess D'Orsi on the women's side — will now likely dominate much of the offseason discussion.
This is a developing story. US Lacrosse Magazine will provide updates as necessary.