Bloom to Challenge NCAA Ruling

Two-sport star Jeremy Bloom intends to play football next fall -- and accept skiing endorsements in defiance of the NCAA.

Bloom said his decision Monday is intended to force the NCAA’s hand, requiring the organization to either change its position or prevent him from playing football.

The NCAA has ruled that Bloom cannot accept skiing endorsements and also play football. Bloom maintains such money is necessary to fund his freestyle ski career.

For the last two seasons, Bloom has been a wide receiver and kick returner at the University of Colorado and also competed competing in moguls skiing on the World Cup circuit -- at his own expense.

“From the time I was 9 years old I’ve dreamed of winning a gold medal for our country in the Winter Olympics,” Bloom said. “Unfortunately, at this time, I can no longer realistically attempt to follow this dream with the restrictions that exist under current NCAA bylaws.”

Bloom had appealed the NCAA ruling, but a state district judge ruled against him in August 2002.

“The NCAA remains open to finding a way to resolve this issue,” NCAA spokesman Jeff Howard said Monday. “But as the association continues to look at specifics of this case, we have not been able to come to a solution that works for both parties.”

During a news conference on the Colorado campus, Bloom said his agent will begin accepting corporate endorsements today.

But he also intends to return to the football field for his junior season next fall.