Husky Players Probably Eligible to Transfer and Play Right Away

The NCAA is expected to allow Washington football players with two years of eligibility or less to transfer without penalty if they so desire, Pacific 10 Conference officials said Monday.

The NCAA’s transfer waiver rule will probably apply to Washington, although sanctions against the football program were meted out by the Pac-10. The rule allows athletes to transfer with immediate eligibility to other Division I schools when their program has been sanctioned for rules infractions.

Because Washington was put on two years’ probation, players with more than two years of eligibility cannot apply the rule.

Interim Coach Jim Lambright said he is hoping no one leaves Washington despite the two-year ban from postseason bowl games and reduction of scholarships.

Napoleon Kaufman, a tailback from Lompoc, said Sunday evening he would not leave. Others concurred Monday.

“No way I’d transfer from this team,” sophomore quarterback Damon Huard said. “Now it’s time for us to come together as one.”