The Gordon State College baseball team will forfeit 18 games of its 2017 season, including 7 conference games, after a ruling by the NJCAA determined that a player was academically ineligible.

"We believe we have complied with the NJCAA bylaws regarding the student-athlete's eligibility," said Gordon State College Athletic Director Gary Sharpe. "It's unfortunate that, despite an appeal, the NJCAA upheld its ruling and is requiring Gordon State to forfeit the 18 winning games he participated in."

Gordon State is not releasing the player's name.

Letters, stating the reason for the forfeits, were sent Monday to the athletic directors at the seven schools Gordon State played between February 3 and March 28.

"We work hard to make sure our student-athletes are successful on and off the field," said Dennis Chamberlain, Gordon State College Vice President of Student Affairs. "This student-athlete, who transferred to Gordon State from another college and was in his second year of athletic eligibility, was working to satisfy academic requirements while participating in baseball. And while Gordon State respects the NJCAA's governance, there is disparity in our interpretation and the NJCAA's interpretation of his academic progress."