The biggest note from yesterday’s spring-beginning practice was also the most unfortunate. And infuriating. Logan Heastie isn’t allowed to practice.

“It’s a Clearinghouse situation and it should be resolved soon,” WVU Coach Bill Stewart said in a short and displeased tone. “It’s a Clearinghouse review. That’s all I’m at liberty to say about Logan.”

Well, I’m not restricted at all. It’s bull.

As best as I can tell, this is just a simple review of Heastie’s past, a way to make sure he did everything he was supposed to do before enrolling. Never mind WVU and the high schools — he attended two … one of which is a factor here — did their homework before giving the go-ahead. The NCAA, with all the facts in hand now, needs to sign off. 

At the end of March. Two-and-a-half months after the kid enrolled, sacrificed all the pomp and circumstance of National Signing Day, gave up that awesome second semester of his senior year and decided to get serious about college ball ASAP.

This is what the NCAA does, and with neither clock nor deadline. For proof, how about this tale from Terence Kerns?

Before Kerns qualified with a 22 last summer, his previous best test score was a 17.

“They said, ‘Your score went up too much,'” Kerns said. “I told them I didn’t cheat, and they reviewed it.”

The review took four weeks, and Kerns kept taking classes at WVU. He was told to retake the ACT test. Taking the test again in December, he had to be within three points of the 22. He got an 18.

“They said I couldn’t be at West Virginia anymore,” Kerns said. “I was kind of mad, but I figure everything happens for a reason.”

Amazing!

Approving Heastie should be quick. Check the high school transcripts, check the rules and pick up the phone. No, Heastie isn’t the only open case, but getting through those cases shouldn’t be hard.

Stewart says a resolution should come soon, but there are no guarantees. What would you believe: The NCAA calls this afternoon and says, “Hey, Heastie is good to go. Sorry for the hold-up.” or Heastie doesn’t practice this spring and is approved in May?

Exactly.