When it comes to the transfer freedom of student-athletes, the NCAA is a reactive organization. As issues arise, its rules belt is loosened one notch at a time, relaxing bylaws enough to temper criticism but never quite addressing the whole problem.
And, perhaps, not quite considering all possible ramifications.
The predicament the NCAA finds itself in concerning Santino Marchiol and Texas A&M is a product of its own nature.
As the NCAA, University of Michigan and University of Mississippi worked toward a resolution regarding Shea Patterson, the NCAA modified a rule about transfers.
The change stated that when a transfer is "due to documented mitigating circumstances that are outside the student-athlete's control and directly impact the health, safety and well-being of the student-athlete," the player could be granted immediate eligibility.