A Kentucky judge will wait until late next week to rule on whether Mark Mitchell and other college athletes will receive an additional year of eligibility after a hearing Friday focused on the NCAA’s eligibility restrictions.
Jefferson County Judge Brian C. Edwards heard roughly an hour of arguments from attorney Ryan Downton, who represents the athletes, and the NCAA. Edwards ultimately allowed both sides to submit additional material by next Tuesday and said he expects to issue a ruling by the end of next week.
Downton argued that the plaintiffs, who are 23 or younger and have played four seasons of college basketball, should receive another year of eligibility. He also challenged the NCAA’s treatment of athletes who participated in professional sports while preventing other athletes from competing in college based on the eligibility rules.
The NCAA pushed back, questioning the court’s jurisdiction and arguing that the athletes are already covered by a separate ruling from Colorado. Downton countered that the Colorado case involves antitrust issues and does not address the Kentucky contract-law claims before Edwards.
The NCAA also argued there was no immediate need for a temporary restraining order, while Edwards noted that the athletes could enroll in school but would not be allowed to compete.
The case could have significant implications for Mitchell and other players from the 2022 recruiting class who are seeking another season of college eligibility.
For now, the athletes will have to wait.
.The ruling is expected by the end of next week.