BREAKING: Court rules in favor of Tennessee in NCAA case
This week just keeps getting better and better for Tennessee fans. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve definitely heard about the NCAA’s investigation into Tennessee for “multiple NIL violations.” Chancellor Donde Plowman rightfully went scorched earth on the NCAA and signified that Tennessee would not be rolling over.
Well, more than a week after Tennessee’s legal representatives argued their case in federal court, Eastern Tennessee District Judge Clifton Corker ruled in favor of Tennessee. The ruling puts an immediate restriction on the NCAA being able to enforce NIL rules.
"For the reasons provided herein, Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction [Doc. 2] is GRANTED," the decision, obtained by VolReport, said. "It is hereby ORDERED that, effective immediately, Defendant NCAA; its servants, agents, and employees; and all persons in active concert or participation with the NCAA, are restrained and enjoined from enforcing the NCAA Interim NIL Policy, the NCAA Bylaws, or any other authority to the extent such authority prohibits student-athletes from negotiating compensation for NIL with any third-party entity, including but not limited to boosters or a collective of boosters, until a full and final decision on the merits in the instant action.
"It is further ORDERED that, effective immediately, the NCAA is restrained and enjoined from enforcing the Rule of Restitution (NCAA Bylaw 12.11.4.2) as applied to the foregoing NIL activities until a full and final decision on the merits in the instant action."
This decision is a major blow to the NCAA’s credibility. Now, athletes can pre-negotiate NIL deals before signing and enrolling in school. While this is a major victory for the Volunteers, it’s not technically over. The NCAA could theoretically attempt to double down and change the definitions of the alleged allegations. Or, the NCAA could simply back off and realize they made a grievous error in poking the bear.
Whatever happens, Tennessee’s victory will provide a blueprint for other states to follow if it comes to that. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Chancellor Donde Plowman did a fantastic job of not backing down and taking the NCAA’s crap. Score one for the good guys. Go Vols!