Hobert Will Not Seek Reinstatement at Washington, Will Enter NFL Draft

Billy Joe Hobert, the Washington quarterback who lost his college eligibility for receiving improper loans, will make himself available for the NFL draft instead of appealing for reinstatement with the Huskies.

Hobert, a junior, was ruled ineligible on Nov. 10 after it was learned he received $50,000 in loans from an Idaho nuclear scientist.

“I think it would have been in my best interest to get reinstated, but I don’t think it was possible,” Hobert said Tuesday. “I’ve decided to make my peace and go on.”

Hobert needs approval from Washington and NCAA officials to be regain his college eligibility for next season. He wanted officials to make a determination by Jan. 6, the NFL deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft. The university declined to review his petition until after the Rose Bowl, giving him little hope that a decision could be reached by the deadline.

The Pacific 10 Conference also is investigating claims that boosters may have improperly arranged a summer job for Hobert while he was at Puyallup (Wash.) High and given him free meals, clothing and other perks not available to most students.