After lots of suspense, the No. 2 recruit in the nation, Shabazz Muhammad, was ruled ineligible to play for UCLA on Friday night in the Bruins’ season opener vs. Indiana State.
While the Bruins went on to win 86-59, the ruling didn’t sit well with UCLA fans or Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist, Flea, who performed a rock version of the national anthem while wearing a powder blue shirt with “Free Shabazz Muhammad” written on it.
Muhammad was declared ineligible for accepting travel and lodging for three recruiting visits and it is unclear when he will be eligible to play. It’s sad to see great players sitting out because of petty NCAA rules and ESPN’s Jay Bilas put it best:
Flea wears “Free Shabazz” shirt at Pauley: usat.ly/SWeHBX When the NCAA loses the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it has lost the country.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) November 10, 2012
Photo: Richard Mackson/US Presswire
