10th Circuit: NCAA's Five-Year Eligibility Rule Reinstated

• The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the NCAA's five-year eligibility rule, dealing a blow to college athletes seeking to extend their sports careers.
• A group of student-athletes, led by University of Northern Colorado basketball player Brock Wisne, challenged the rule in federal court, arguing it unfairly shortens their sports careers.
• The ruling does not impact dozens of athletes who have won temporary restraining orders in state courts across the nation.
• The NCAA will continue to defend similar lawsuits and appeal state court rulings granting additional eligibility.

We conclude that appellant has satisfied its burden as to each of these factors,

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated the NCAA's five-year eligibility rule, dealing a blow to college athletes seeking to extend their sports careers. The ruling comes after a group of student-athletes, led by University of Northern Colorado basketball player Brock Wisne, challenged the rule in federal court. Wisne and his classmates argued that the rule unfairly shortens their sports careers, posing the risk of losing scholarships and limiting their opportunity to participate in their chosen sport.

The NCAA has faced numerous lawsuits over eligibility requirements in recent years, with several cases pending in state and federal courts. The Wisne lawsuit is one of half a dozen involving Colorado athletes, highlighting the controversy surrounding the five-year eligibility rule. In July, U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted class certification and a temporary restraining order to allow the student-athletes to compete in NCAA sports at the start of the school year. However, Friday's opinion reinstates the rule pending the NCAA's appeal.

The reinstatement of the five-year eligibility rule has significant implications for college athletes and compliance officers alike. Lawyers advising student-athletes should note that the decision potentially impacts those who were granted temporary restraining orders to compete beyond their fifth year. Compliance officers may want to review NCAA policies and procedures regarding eligibility requirements, as the association will continue to defend similar lawsuits and appeal state court rulings granting additional eligibility.

Lawyers advising college athletes should note that the 10th Circuit's decision reinstates the five-year eligibility rule, potentially impacting student-athletes who were granted temporary restraining orders to compete beyond their fifth year. Compliance officers may want to review NCAA policies and procedures regarding eligibility requirements.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News Service