Judge blocks SEC from stopping athletes' return

A Dallas judge signed an order Thursday that prohibits the NCAA, the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey from stopping a group of 41 athletes from returning to college sports for one more season of play. The plaintiffs include Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jordan Hudson, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and Chiefs wide receiver Omari Evans, along with Christeen Iwuala and Bailey Maupin, who signed contracts with WNBA teams earlier this summer.

The order specifically states that the NCAA, SEC and Sankey cannot block the players' return based on transfer portal rules or their time on a pro roster. If those groups want to prohibit any of the plaintiffs for a different reason, they would need to come to court and argue their case before the judge.

The case stems from the NCAA changing its eligibility rules in June to allow athletes to play five seasons during a five-year timespan, replacing a prior rule that allowed only four years within a five-year window. The NCAA's Division I board of directors voted in June to exclude outgoing seniors from returning for a fifth season under the new rule, saying it would take opportunities from incoming freshmen.

All four power conferences voted this week to adopt new rules prohibiting teams from playing athletes who previously signed contracts with a professional sports team, a direct response to the ongoing legal battles. Attorney Ryan Downton, who represents athletes in the Dallas case and others, said the leagues cannot create a rule with immediate, draconian punishment that would deter any school from signing these players.

The uproar began last week when a restraining order signed by a judge in east Baton Rouge, Louisiana, opened the door for players including tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris to leave NFL rosters and announce intentions to play for LSU. The NCAA has successfully appealed to overturn restraining orders in three cases in the past week.