Louisiana Judge Lets 33 Athletes Seek 5th Season, Including 3 on NFL Rosters
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 20
Louisiana Judge Lets 33 Athletes Seek 5th Season, Including 3 on NFL Rosters
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 20
Summary
A Louisiana state judge on Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order to 33 athletes, including former Ole Miss starters Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris and Wydett Williams, allowing them to pursue one more college season.
Three plaintiffs — Wright, Williams and former Oregon State back Anthony Hankerson — are currently on NFL rosters and can join a college team only if released by Sept. 1 under the order.
The suit argues the NCAA acted in bad faith by excluding outgoing seniors from a June eligibility overhaul that now allows five seasons within a five-year window.
More than 100 athletes have sued the NCAA in over a dozen cases this summer, with judges issuing several temporary orders while appeals — including in the broader Wisne class action — are still pending.
The NCAA says the rulings destabilize college sports and could squeeze roster spots for incoming freshmen, while athletes are filing in multiple courts in case broader relief is overturned.