The NCAA is CRUMBLING!
Feb 26, 2024
The Preliminary Injunction Explained
This week there was a preliminary injunction in the Tennessee and Virginia vs. the NCAA court case. Not to be dramatic, but it could change college sports forever.
Case Background
In January the attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia filed a Federal lawsuit against the NCAA over antitrust issues. The lawsuit filing followed the NCAA's investigation into Tennessee and their recruiting of then recruit (and current quarterback) Nico Iamaleava. Nico allegedly signed an NIL deal with a booster prior to enrolling in the university.
What is a Preliminary Injunction?
A preliminary injunction is an "order issued by a judge early in a lawsuit to stop the defendant from continuing their allegedly harmful actions" (Cornell Law).
The Ruling & Implications
A US District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction stating the NCAA could not enforce its NIL rules until the case was closed.
What does this mean? Things could get messy. Since the NCAA can't enforce its NIL policies, it's practically a free-for-all. The only NIL rules that are currently being enforced are state laws. Athletes in states that allow pay-for-play can now pursue pay-for-play deals because the NCAA's NIL policy (which restricts pay-for-play) cannot be enforced. Similarly, athletes in states that allow boosters to influence recruiting can do so.
Other NIL Stories of the Week:
EA Sports College Football Sneak Peek
EA Sports CFB Game Compensation