Report: A paperwork mishap allowed Alabama WR Chris Black to transfer to Mizzou

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Given the news surrounding Maurice Smith and Alabama not allowing him to transfer to Georgia, some fans have wondered why Alabama head coach Nick Saban allowed wide receiver Chris Black to transfer to Missouri.

Black, like Smith, was set to graduate from Alabama and play immediately. Like Smith, Black wanted to go to an SEC school. But Black got his wish in part because of when he filed his release from Alabama

According to a report from Matt Zenitz of AL.com Black’s request to be released was filed the week of Alabama’s game against LSU. The Crimson Tide were ranked No. 4 and getting set to host the undefeated and No. 2 ranked Tigers when Black filed his request to be released.

Per an NCAA Bylaw, schools have seven days to respond to a player’s request to release and transfer. If a school does not respond within those seven days, a player is given a full release, meaning they can transfer anywhere.

Alabama never responded to Black’s request, thus allowing him to transfer to any school. Given the Crimson Tide were playing LSU, Black’s request fell through the cracks. Per Zenitz, Saban didn’t want Black to have that ability but he ultimately had no say. Smith’s request was responded to and he has been told he cannot transfer to any SEC school.

So while LSU may not have beaten Alabama, the Tigers did get a small victory over the Crimson Tide in somewhat allowing Black to transfer.

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