NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma's Dusty Dvoracek had been granted
a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA, which will allow the
defensive tackle who was kicked off the team in September to play a
fifth season with the Sooners.
Dvoracek, a third-team All-American last season, was dismissed
after he was involved in a bar fight in Norman.
Oklahoma last week applied for a medical hardship on Dvoracek's
behalf, but it was denied by the Big 12 Conference. Upon appeal,
the NCAA's reinstatement staff granted the waiver Monday.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops wouldn't say when Dvoracek would be
reinstated, but it won't be before the Sooners play Southern
California in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4.
"We will not visit this situation until we're back in school
for the second semester," Stoops said in a statement Tuesday.
To qualify for a medical hardship, a student-athlete must be
unable to compete because of injury or illness for a portion of a
season and have documentation from a medical doctor, according to
NCAA bylaws.
It is against NCAA policy to discuss the specific illness under
which a student-athlete qualifies, said Jennifer Kearns, associate
director of public relations with the NCAA.
Since his dismissal from the team, Dvoracek has undergone
anger-management and alcohol-related counseling.
Dvoracek, who was second on the team with seven sacks last
season, had three tackles and a fumble recovery in two games this
season.