Knoxville, TN – In a surprising twist in the legal world of college sports, Tennessee basketball player _Zakai Zeigler_ is challenging the NCAA in a federal lawsuit. Filed in May, Zeigler’s suit argues that the NCAA should grant all student-athletes a fifth year of eligibility, not just those who redshirted and took a year off from play.
The NCAA responded on June 2, asserting that Zeigler can’t enjoy the benefits of a fifth year while not having the same circumstances as athletes who took a redshirt. This is where things got even more interesting, as the _U.S. Department of Justice_ joined the fight, siding with the NCAA on June 3. The Justice Department argues that the NCAA’s structure and rules are essential and do not breach antitrust laws.
Zeigler’s legal team is pushing for a preliminary ruling that would allow him to explore opportunities with college teams and negotiate _NIL deals_ while the lawsuit is underway. A hearing regarding this request is scheduled for June 6. After the University of Tennessee’s run in March Madness, Zeigler found himself without NCAA eligibility. His lawsuit aims to pave his return to college basketball for the 2025-26 season, emphasizing that not having the chance to play is a significant loss, especially with rosters wrapping up and NIL agreements forming.
The heart of Zeigler’s argument focuses on the NCAA’s redshirt rule. He didn’t redshirt, thus argues he shouldn’t be penalized for his choice. His attorneys state that the NCAA’s rules limiting eligibility to four seasons within a five-year span are an unlawful trade barrier and restrict student-athletes’ earning potential just as their market value peaks.
Furthermore, the NCAA maintains that prior lawsuits regarding additional eligibility came from athletes who had not been Division I players. The organization points out that Zeigler benefited from the circumstances of the collegiate athlete lifecycle, implying that he gained his opportunity only thanks to others exhausting their eligibility.
The NCAA’s response argues that allowing Zeigler to compete for an extra season could open the floodgates, leading to more lawsuits from other athletes wanting even longer eligibility. They firmly state, “He asks this court to make him the first student athlete in history to be granted the opportunity to participate in a fifth season of DI competition as a matter of right.”
The DOJ, while backing the NCAA, encourages courts to consider flexibility in interpreting the _Sherman Antitrust Act_ when making a ruling on the case. They noted that if schools do not impose academic obligations on their players, it could skew the competitive balance in college sports.
This ongoing legal battle highlights major questions about the NCAA’s eligibility rules and the broader implications for student-athletes. As discussions continue, all eyes will be on the courtroom to see how the judge rules on this significant issue.
