That's a good question. I'm not sure what exception he is claiming but there are several things that might be possible:
http://www.athleticscholarships.net/ncaa-transfer-exceptions.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
My guess based on the possibilities could be a family hardship exception (his family is not well off and from California and he was playing in Miami). But I don't know for sure.