Attorney Ryan Downton is taking aim at the SEC’s new eligibility policy, and he’s not soft-pedaling the message.
Downton, of Texas Trial Group, represents Kentucky Basketball transfer Mark Mitchell and other athletes seeking a fifth season of eligibility. In comments to On3, he said the conference’s move could run afoul of existing court orders.
“The SEC’s actions put the NCAA in contempt of multiple court orders,” Downton said. “It is cartel-like conduct when NCAA conferences attempt to create their own spur-of-the-moment rules in response to Courts enjoining those same rules at the NCAA level.”
The SEC announced Tuesday that all 16 of its member schools had agreed to a policy that bars universities from carrying athletes with certain professional sports experience on their rosters. The decision arrived soon after the Big Ten adopted a similar rule and as courts continue to weigh cases involving athletes who are pushing for more eligibility.
For Mitchell, the timing matters. He is trying to secure a fifth college season, and a Kentucky judge had already ruled in his favor on the eligibility issue. The SEC’s new policy now adds another layer of uncertainty.
KSR’s Jack Pilgrim reported that Mitchell may be in a different position than some other athletes affected by the rule. According to that reporting, Mitchell was a graduating senior who did not have to appropriately declare or withdraw from the NBA Draft, did not sign an NBA contract, and has not been listed on an NBA or G League roster.
With the conference setting its own restriction while multiple cases are still active in court, the SEC’s policy could face a legal challenge. In the meantime, the biggest question is what it means for Mitchell and Kentucky.
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