Dec 9, 2004
SportsLine.com wire reports

NORMAN, Okla. -- Former Oklahoma lineman Dusty Dvoracek's bid for a medical hardship was denied by the Big 12. He can now appeal to the NCAA, which could grant a waiver allowing him to play next season.

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Dvoracek was kicked off the team by coach Bob Stoops in September. After completing an anger-management and alcohol-related program, the defensive tackle appealed to a Big 12 review committee.

The committee, made up of representatives from league schools, met last weekend and the vote was 6-6. Dvoracek can now turn to the NCAA for possible reinstatement, Big 12 spokesman Bob Burda said. It's unclear how the conference's decision might affect the NCAA.

Stoops, coach of the Orange Bowl-bound No. 2 Sooners, has said he favored Dvoracek's return to the team.

A call to Dvoracek was not immediately returned.

Dvoracek, a captain in his senior season, was thrown off the team Sept. 17 after a scuffle left his friend with a head injury. Dvoracek and Matt Wilde had been drinking, then argued. Wilde spent several days in the hospital, the first few in intensive care.

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