Ohio schools could gain an unfair edge as NCAA sues governor over executive order allowing them to ignore eligibility rule

NCAA challenges Ohio order

DeWine issued the executive order Tuesday, undercutting an NCAA rule approved over the summer. The NCAA’s federal lawsuit seeks to stop Ohio colleges from allowing affected players another season.

The filing says the order would grant Ohio institutions an unfair advantage in stadiums and arenas across the country. The NCAA also argues that sports depend on participants following shared rules. The suit describes the order as a “hall pass” to break those rules, according to the NCAA’s court filing.

Eligibility dispute continues

The NCAA says it understood that excluding the high school Class of 2022 from the five-year eligibility rule would cause hardship. It says the decision also involved incoming recruits, many of whom could lose opportunities if veteran players received another season.

NCAA President Charlie Baker said the organization did not believe a Supreme Court order had made those athletes immediately eligible. He said the NCAA would submit arguments in that case.

Legal challenges multiply

The lawsuit recounts the rule’s history and the legal cases that followed. One early federal case involving basketball player Brock Wisne appears to be leaning toward the NCAA, but wins there have been followed by further lawsuits in state courts.

The disputes have produced changing rules from state to state. Tennessee athletic director Danny White called the situation “comical” in a social media post responding to the NCAA announcement.

Coaches seek clear rules

Kelsey said coaches question whether NCAA rules will remain in force. He said they want guardrails, congressional action and an end to the uncertainty.