GoFundMe Started for Omar Silverio After Forfeiting NIL Money

A GoFundMe has been created for Omar Silverio, whose college basketball career ended on Thursday after the NCAA denied his transfer waiver. Silverio had to forfeit his promised NIL money and is considering filing a lawsuit against the NCAA.

Click here to view Silverio’s GoFundMe.

The GoFundMe was created by Adam Berkowitz who wrote the following:

“Ten years ago Omar Silverio left his family in the Dominican Republic to chase his dream of an education and basketball career in the United States. Through the ups and downs, he has worked hard, treated people the right way and stayed positive. He has dealt with injuries, saw one coach fired right before the season started, lost another to a major health issue, and played for three coaches in three seasons all while at the same school. Despite that, he earned his degree from Hofstra University. Now, he has been waiting for six months to hear from the NCAA regarding a waiver to play his final season at West Virginia. As many of you know, that waiver was denied this week and Omar’s college career is over. He appreciates all of his teammates and coaches and especially all of the fans he has met and come in contact with throughout his college career. The community at West Virginia has treated him like family even though he won’t be able to suit up for the University this season. He has many great memories — winning the CAA Championship, scoring 40 points in a game, playing in front of friends and family, and meeting some amazing people along the way. He is contemplating what is next for him and his family. He is considering filing a lawsuit against the NCAA, but isn’t sure if it is worth the time and expense that will entail. Regardless, thanks to the NCAA, he has had to forfeit the NIL money that he was promised. Please consider supporting Omar and his family in DR as they navigate the next steps in their lives.”

Silverio (6-foot-3) last played at Hofstra during the 2021-22 season, averaging 10.9 points and 3.3 rebounds. The native of the Dominican Republic shot 37 percent from the field and 36 percent from three. Silverio left Manhattan after head coach Steve Masiello was dismissed just weeks before the season started, just like current Mountaineer Jose Perez. Silverio started his collegiate career at Rhode Island.