1. that article is from 2000.... Rules change over time
2. That's not what the article says....here's the quote, "Linebacker Rick Crowell will have to sit out Colorado State's season-opening game against Colorado next month as part of an NCAA decision granting him a medical hardship and another year of eligibility." There's nothing there about it being due to a 5-game limit, I don't know where you're getting that. I have no idea what the circumstances were surrounding Crowell's return, maybe there was another reason he had to sit out the season opener. academic, I don't know