Darrion Williams, a former North Carolina State forward, is leading a group of 52 student-athletes in a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking an extra year of eligibility in North Carolina.
The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, July 30, is seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction for more than 50 student-athletes to play this upcoming 2025-26 college basketball season after the NCAA adjusted its eligibility guidelines last month to a five-year model.
Williams, who averaged 14.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while shooting 41.4% from the field in 33 starts last season for the Wolfpack, is joined by 10 other players from North Carolina-based universities and colleges among the plaintiffs.
The NCAA's new eligibility model, dubbed the "5-for-5" model, begins a student-athlete's five-year eligibility clock upon full-time enrollment at a university or at the beginning of the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
The model also eliminates traditional redshirts and waivers for extra eligibility, aside from special circumstances like pregnancy, military service or religious missions.
Among the plaintiffs are several notable players, including former Ohio State guard Tyana Todd, who is the lone women's basketball player listed as a plaintiff.
The lawsuit lists a total of 52 student-athletes from various universities and colleges across the United States.
The plaintiffs are seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to allow them to play this upcoming season, despite the NCAA's new eligibility guidelines.
The NCAA's decision to adopt the "5-for-5" eligibility model has been met with criticism from some student-athletes and their families, who argue that it is too restrictive and does not provide enough flexibility for athletes who may need to take time off for various reasons.
The lawsuit is just the latest development in a long-standing debate over NCAA eligibility rules, with many arguing that the current system is too rigid and does not provide enough support for student-athletes.
The outcome of the lawsuit is likely to have significant implications for the future of college basketball, with many student-athletes and their families watching closely to see how the case unfolds.
The court's decision on the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction is expected to be made in the coming weeks, with the 2025-26 college basketball season set to tip off in the fall.
Source: Yahoo Sports