This afternoon, the Cal football team announced that five-star 2010 linebacker recruit Chris Martin will transfer from Cal, according to head coach Jeff Tedford.
Martin issued a statement through the team's Media Relations department, saying:
"My decision to transfer definitely does not reflect on the football program or the academics at Cal. Rather, I feel like for me to focus and truly reach my potential I need to leave many of the distractions I have here at home in the Bay Area. I need to venture away from home and start my college career somewhere else where I don't have those distractions."
Martin could not be reached for further comment. Martin's mother, Cheryl, did speak briefly to BearTerritory.
"Right now, I don't have a comment on it," she said. "It's a real hard thing for our family to discuss right now."
Coach Tedford offered his thoughts in a statement from Cal Media Relations.
"This is a decision that Chris and his family have made to do what they feel is in the best interest of Chris," said Tedford. "We wish Chris the best as he pursues his college football career. It is always important for young men to make the correct decisions to be able to reach their full potential. I understand his concern with the continued outside distractions he's facing, and I support Chris and his decision to transfer. I wish him and his family all the best."
