Social media reactions to Tez Walker’s immediate eligibility
Finally, we have all been waiting to hear the news: UNC transfer wide receiver Devontez Walker is immediately eligible to lace up for the Tar Heels.
The national fight to “Free Tez,” a chant echoed in stadiums, is finally over. The UNC football program announced that the NCAA has ruled to allow Walker immediate eligibility, sparking virtual high-fives across social media.
Mack Brown stated following the announcement, thanking the NCAA for re-examining Walker’s case.
“We are so happy for Tez,” Brown stated. “Everything that’s transpired over the last few months has been with the sole purpose of helping and supporting him, and now he is going to have a chance to live his dream.”
Walker also released a statement following the news, showing gratitude for the verdict change.
“I always knew UNC was a special place, but it has proved it over and over again throughout the last few months,” Walker stated. “I’ve received so much support from the University, the athletics department, my coaches, the staff, and my teammates. Most of all, I’ve felt so much love from the fans.”
It is safe to say it is a GDTBAH. Let us look at how social media reacted to the breaking news.
TEZ WALKER IS ELIGIBLE pic.twitter.com/bZrivTROwG
— ⚡️ (@Prime_VC) October 5, 2023
Tez Walker is eligible?! It’s over for the ACC! #TarHeels
— Rod (@rodimusprime) October 5, 2023
— Drake Maye (@DrakeMaye2) October 5, 2023
NC State fans are literally the worst people on earth https://t.co/na5ZlwCteW
— Hunter Oakley FREE TEZ WALKER (@Hunter_Oakley) October 5, 2023
Not sure what took the NCAA so long but glad Tez Walker gets to play now!
— J.Hopp💯✊🏾🏁🖤🖤 (@J__H0pp) October 5, 2023
SO HAPPY FOR TEZ WALKER!! LETS GO HEELS!!! pic.twitter.com/5r1xYNAudQ
— Lance Dunlap (@LanceEDunlap2) October 5, 2023
Wow, huge news for @UNCFootball. I'm glad the NCAA came to this decision, although it should have been done weeks ago. And them trying to pass the blame is expected, but shameful. Congrats to #TezWalker! I've been rooting and pulling for him, just as a college football fan.
— Dawggirl (@MelissaRabb1) October 5, 2023
Oh the NCAA statement is unreal. Blaming UNC for the NCAA not doing for Tez Walker what it did for at least three other players over the past month.
— Brian Barbour (@briancbarbour) October 5, 2023
The NCAA stole 4 games from Tez Walker just for fun
— charlie (@chatsball) October 5, 2023
Nice try throwing #unc under the bus, #ncaa, but you are ultimately to blame for the injustice shown to Tez Walker. It’s great that he’s finally getting to play, but grow up and take responsibility!
— jennifer baxley (@jenniferbaxley8) October 5, 2023
Setting aside the NCAA’s insistence on being the victim, the Tez Walker situation is proof that bullying works.
— Justin Clayton (@_JustinClayton_) October 5, 2023
The only thing the Tez Walker situation really did was show just how incompetent the NCAA is.
They made the wrong move at every single turn, including their final statement.
Basically just blamed #UNC for all of it. Unbelievable, but so, so on-brand.
— Jacob Turner (@JacobTurnerTHI) October 5, 2023
The @NCAA openly talked about Tez Walker's inability to meet the requirements to document a mental health necessity for transfer but now refuses to comment on what the 'new info' was to respect Tez's privacy. Okay… wasn't born yesterday.
— Evan #FreeTezWalker (@umpire_evan) October 5, 2023
I got two words for you: Tez Walker and Drake Maye. Must-see TV. pic.twitter.com/gDC05EyeJI
— Smitty (@BullCityHeel) October 5, 2023
I can’t imagine the gratuitous back-patting going on at NCAA headquarters over “doing the right thing” for Tez Walker. Should’ve been done before the season.
— Chris Womack (@Chris_Womack) October 5, 2023
This is absolute rocket fuel for QB Drake Maye. About time, @NCAA. Meet WR Tez Walker. #GoHeels https://t.co/gTmlrL0AoX pic.twitter.com/F0xwPVVzxf
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) October 5, 2023
the ncaa granting eligibility to Tez Walker https://t.co/g42NBzNzhG pic.twitter.com/b19OBpgiWa
— Lucy Rohden (@lucy_rohden) October 5, 2023
TEZ WALKER!! Natty Bound!! Drake for heisman #GDTBATH
— Scotty Slazenger (@ScottySlazenger) October 5, 2023
Tez Walker’s immediate eligibility means he’s instantly the best player on UNC’s offense, outside of Drake Maye and the team got to this point still 4-0 with the opportunity to develop players in his absence.
— Taylor Vippolis (@tvippolis) October 5, 2023
“NC State fans hearing the news about UNC and Tez Walker** pic.twitter.com/q3b624mwEK
— Graham Hill (@GrahamHill98) October 5, 2023
Exclusive: Here's a look at the "new information" UNC submitted to the NCAA that allowed Tez Walker to become eligible.
Word is there's a tiny signature – invisible to the untrained human eye – from Mack Brown pic.twitter.com/e2jMJBgK9b
— Doug Samuels 🏈 (@CoachSamz) October 5, 2023
Readers respond to news that the NCAA has backtracked and granted Tez Walker immediate eligibility. pic.twitter.com/YROQQYnbc9
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 5, 2023
Tez Walker: NFL talent deep threat WR
Drake Maye: Most accurate QB in college footballOH MY GOD MAN I AM SO EXCITED
— Florian Wirtz Enjoyer/Gene Chizik Hater (@xab1ball) October 5, 2023
Tez Walker is going to get the biggest standing ovation Saturday afternoon. Welcome back! @DevontezWalker
— Troy Hill (@TroyHill96) October 5, 2023
Better late than never. Good to see the NCAA reverse course and finally grant permission for native North Carolinian Tez Walker to play in his home state. Good for him and for college sports. – RC https://t.co/eDKlIXPomr
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) October 5, 2023
