Judge’s Order Prohibits SEC From Blocking Pro Athletes’ Return
The order bars the NCAA and SEC from enforcing new eligibility rules against 41 athletes, including several who have signed pro contracts.
- On Thursday, District Court Judge Martin Hoffman signed a restraining order in Dallas, preventing the NCAA and Southeastern Conference from blocking 41 athletes from returning to college for one more season.
- Joined by the Big Ten, Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference, the SEC recently banned athletes who signed pro contracts from returning to college, voting 15-0 on Wednesday to authorize sanctions against schools.
- Plaintiffs include Kansas City Chiefs players Omari Evans and Wesley Bissainthe, Dallas Cowboys receiver Jordan Hudson, and WNBA-contracted athletes Bailey Maupin and Christeen Iwuala, represented by Lawyer Ryan Downton.
- SEC penalties reportedly include suspending coaches for half a season and fining universities 50% of a sport's annual budget, while the restraining order remains in place for 14 days until a Sept. 11 hearing.
- The dispute follows a new NCAA rule allowing athletes five seasons of eligibility within a five-year window, though Downton argues the rules create "draconian" punishment that effectively prevents schools from accepting these student-athletes.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Texas judge blocks SEC ban on pro athletes returning to college
A Dallas County judge issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday that bars the NCAA, the Southeastern Conference and commissioner Greg Sankey from blocking 41 athletes from returning to college sports for the 2026-27 season. District Judge Martin Hoffman signed the order after a hearing attended by the NCAA. Plaintiffs include Dallas Cowboys receiver Jordan Hudson, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, and Chiefs receiver Omari …
In latest eligibility twist, Texas judge rules NCAA can’t sideline Syracuse WR Justus Ross-Simmons
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Syracuse wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons was one of 41 athletes who sued the NCAA in a Texas court on Thursday and received a quick ruling that will likely put him back on the practice field immediately.
Judge’s order prohibits SEC from blocking pro athletes’ return
By Field Level Media Aug 28 (Field Level Media) - A group of 41 athletes can't be blocked by the NCAA, the Southeastern Conference or SEC commissioner Greg Sankey from going back to college for one more season thanks to a restraining order signed Thur...
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