By Jimmy Hyams

The NCAA denied the waiver request of immediate eligibility for offensive lineman Cade Mays perhaps because Georgia did not agree with Mays transferring to Tennessee.

“Georgia was not supportive of Cade’s transfer waiver,’’ Greg Isaacs, May’s attorney, told the Sports Animal on Thursday morning.

Schools can not block a player from transferring, but they can state reasons why they think a waiver should be denied.

It is not known how many NCAA waivers are granted when a school supports the players’ transfer.

The NCAA denied Mays’ waiver request last week. Mays and his attorney have 30 days from that date to respond. They could appeal earlier in hopes of expediting a decision from the NCAA.

It’s entirely possible the NCAA will not make a ruling on the appeal until after Tennessee’s season starts Sept. 26.

“The appeal will have a different look,’’ Isaacs said. “We will repackage some things and add some things.

“The focus will be on Mays and the toxic environment he was put in.

“He didn’t transfer to Alabama or Oklahoma, but because of his emotional well being, he decided to come home where he feels safe.’’

Isaacs previously told Knox News “we’re surprised and disappointed it was denied.’’

Mays was initially represented by attorney Tom Mars, who dropped the case to join the NCAA staff.

Mays’ appeal was prepared by UT’s compliance office.

When the appeal was denied, Mays hired Isaacs.

Mays, a five-star recruit from Knoxville who initially committed to Tennessee before signing with Georgia, started 18 games for Georgia over the past two seasons and played all five offensive line positions.

Kevin Mays, Cade’s father and a former All-SEC offensive lineman for Tennessee, filed a lawsuit Dec. 5, 2019, against the University of Georgia System Board of Regents, the Georgia Athletic Association and others after his right little finger was severed by a folding chair during a recruiting visit to Athens, Ga., in December 2017.

Cade Mays, a rising junior, announced Jan. 8 he was transferring to UT in January.

Months ago, Mars said Mays winning the appeal was a “slam dunk.’’ When it was denied, Mars said he was “sadly disappointed’’ and that he’s “starting to think they must use a dartboard to make these decisions.’’

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