Eric LeGrand was almost Condoleezza Rice's replacement as commencement speaker at Rutgers University later this month, but not because he did not want the job.

A former defensive tackle for the Rutgers football team, LeGrand, who was paralyzed from the neck down in a 2010 game, told NJ.com the school offered him the honor and withdrew the offer within 48 hours.

"I just want an explanation," he told the website. "I wish somebody would have given me a call tonight and explained to me why. Then I can understand, but don't just leave me hanging."

LeGrand was hoping he would get an opportunity in the wake of Rice declining the offer to deliver the commencement address. Saturday night, he got a call from a man named Greg Jackson, the chief of staff for Rutgers' president Robert Barchi.

"(Jackson) asked if I could do Rutgers a favor and give the commencement speech," LeGrand told NJ.com. "I was like, 'Wow, thank you for offering.' He goes, 'Yeah, absolutely. Talk it over with your family this weekend. Let's touch base again Monday.' I was all amped all weekend. I was like, 'This is perfect. I'm going to have to give a speech to everybody.'"

LeGrand was in Sunrise, Fla. for "Wings for Life," a fundraising race for spinal cord research. The former football player's flight home to N.J. was delayed, so he called Jackson to push back their phone call scheduled for later in the day Monday. He said he had every reason to believe the offer was still on the table and that he informally accepted the offer from Jackson Saturday night.

When he landed Monday evening, LeGrand said Rutgers athletic director Julie Hermann told him the school chose former N.J. Gov. Tom Kean to deliver the commencement address.

"She told me, 'I was pushing for you, but President Barchi decided to go in another direction for political reasons. But he wants you to come to the ceremony. He wants to personally give you your degree,'" LeGrand said. "I just didn't know how to feel. I was hurt. They offered me this on Saturday and then they take it back on Monday. I was like, 'Why?'"

During his rehabilitation, LeGrand, who has delivered numerous motivational speeches from his wheel chair, completed his labor relations degree through online courses. He is set to participate in the ceremony for the School of Management and Labor Relations May 17. He has not decided whether or not to attend the ceremony the next day and receive his degree from Barchi.

LeGrand said he only wants an explanation and N.J. Senate President Steve Sweeney agrees.

"Eric LeGrand is an inspiration to the nation and arguably the most respected and visible ambassador for Rutgers," Sweeney (D-Gloucester), told the Star-Ledger. "Eric is the quintessential role model, and a perfect choice to address Rutgers graduates and offer them advice about overcoming life's challenges. He deserves an explanation."