Iowa State releases Jacob Park from his scholarship

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jacob Park’s separation from Iowa State is official.

The university granted the Cyclones’ quarterback request to be released from his scholarship Wednesday.

“Thank you ISU for granting my release! Good luck in the bowl game, the future in (sic) bright for the ISU Cyclones!”

Park tweeted that at around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, along with the school’s letter of release that was dated Dec. 12 — a day after he told the Des Moines Register exclusively that he asked for his release.

Iowa State placed the same restrictions it usually places on scholarship releases. He has permission to talk to anyone except schools in the Big 12 Conference; the University of Iowa, Northern Iowa and Drake and anyone on Iowa State future schedules.

ANALYSIS: Breaking down ISU's QB options following Park's expected transfer

Coach Matt Campbell announced to the Register on the eve of the Oklahoma game in Norman that Park was taking a health-related leave of absence.

In his first comments on the situation, Park told the Register that he failed a drug test because he used marijuana. He also said he felt some among Iowa State’s fan base turned on him.

Park said he decided to leave after learning that Kyle Kempt was petitioning the NCAA for another year of eligibility.

"They're not bringing me back," Park said. "I think that's pretty clear. When I heard that, (that) is when I realized I needed to find somewhere else to go."

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson has been with the Register for parts of five decades. Randy writes opinion and analysis of Iowa State football and basketball. You can reach Randy at rpeterson@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @RandyPete.