Western Kentucky University has canceled the scholarship of senior defensive lineman Victory Vaka, just two months after the death of his mother. Vaka, who had stepped away from the team to grieve following his mother's passing on April 2, was informed of the scholarship cancellation on May 26. The university's chief of staff, Travis Taylor, contacted Vaka to inform him that his scholarship was being revoked.
Just weeks after laying his mother to rest, Vaka, a transfer from Texas Southern, expressed shock at the university's decision. He reported that an assistant strength coach had contacted him nine days before his mother's funeral, providing a workout program and indicating an expectation for his return to the team in June. However, Vaka had not yet returned when informed of the scholarship cancellation.
Western Kentucky processed Vaka's departure as a "failure to report," a designation that prevents him from using the NCAA's aid reduction or cancellation exemption. This disciplinary dismissal has left Vaka, who is one semester away from graduation, unable to transfer and utilize his final season of eligibility. An appeal to the NCAA was also denied.
Vaka's agent, Jaykwon Jefferson, stated that multiple colleges would be willing to sign Vaka if he were permitted to enter the transfer portal. However, the university's classification of his absence has left him in a difficult position.
In an interview, Vaka suggested that the university may have been looking to move on from him. He recalled a meeting with head coach Tyson Helton in April, where Helton did not provide a specific return timeline but indicated support if Vaka wished to go elsewhere. Vaka interpreted Helton's words as an indication that the coach might not be upset if he did not return to the team.
Taylor reportedly explained the university's decision by noting that Western Kentucky had paid for Vaka's travel home after his mother's death and back to Bowling Green, expressing concern for him. He also pointed out that Vaka had not initiated contact with the staff during his absence. Vaka acknowledged that he could have communicated more effectively.
According to reports, Taylor emphasized that Vaka had been away from the team for two months during the offseason and would not have been in a position to play, which contributed to the decision to move on. Taylor also allegedly stated that the program expects players to act as adults and communicate.
Vaka shared a tribute to his mother on Instagram following her death, expressing his deep sorrow and love for her.