Former JUCO Players Challenge NCAA Eligibility Rules in Tennessee

In Nashville, Tennessee, four former junior college (JUCO) football players have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking to extend their playing eligibility beyond the current restrictions. The players—Chris Bellamy, Demarcus Griffin, TJ Smith, and Targhee Lambson—have requested a federal judge to block the NCAA’s eligibility rules, which they argue are unfair and violate antitrust laws.

The complaint, submitted on July 3, 2023, states that the players wish to have their eligibility rules updated, as the current NCAA regulations limit their intercollegiate competition to just four seasons within five years. They argue that these restrictions unfairly impact JUCO players, as they may not have received opportunities to compete for one of those seasons.

The players are represented by attorneys Ryan Downton and Salvador M. Hernandez, who have previously worked on a successful case for Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Pavia’s case seeks to allow him to participate in a sixth season, and the outcome could set an important legal precedent for the four plaintiffs.

According to the lawsuit, JUCO football, governed by the National Junior College Athletic Association, is markedly different from NCAA Division I football, which generates billions of dollars in revenue. The players argue that their experiences and skill levels are not adequately reflected in the current eligibility constraints and that these rules limit their potential opportunities, including access to name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings.

The complaint highlights that nearly all NIL opportunities—approximately $1.1 billion—are concentrated within Division I football, further stressing the economic harm the players have faced. The four former JUCO athletes are eager to join programs like Vanderbilt, which has expressed interest in Bellamy and Lambson.

Bellamy, a wide receiver with past experience at New Mexico State and two junior colleges, has secured a position on Vanderbilt’s football team, while Griffin waits for an opportunity at Louisiana Tech alongside potential NIL earnings. Smith, a quarterback, indicates he has interest from several Division I schools, and Lambson envisions playing for Vanderbilt in 2025.

The lawsuit also points out inconsistencies in how the NCAA enforces its eligibility rules, contrasting restrictions placed on JUCO players with exemptions granted to athletes who have played other sports or served in the military. The players argue that this unequal treatment does not reflect a commitment to fair competition.

With the NCAA continuing to defend its longstanding eligibility rules, a spokesman reiterated their commitment to providing fair opportunities for student-athletes. The case is currently under the oversight of U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger.

As this case unfolds, it represents a significant moment for former JUCO players and their hopes of redefining college football participation under NCAA guidelines.