The case of the State of Ohio vs the NCAA was heard on Wednesday in a federal court, presided by U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. The hearing was to challenge the NCAA’s eligibility rule and with regard to West Virginia University, the connection with two-time transfer RaeQuan Battle.
Battle took the stand for almost 40 minutes, getting examined by both parties. The NCAA hammered home the point of Battle trying to see the name, image, and likeness purpose of Battle playing at WVU. Battle had long argued his transfer decision was for mental health reasons, not trying to capitalize on his value.
However, Battle did say that with him missing games, he is missing out on financial opportunities he would get if he were playing in the games he has missed.
Judge Bailey’s ruling granted the TRO for 14 days, bringing a two-week stoppage to the NCAA’s transfer rules. This means, players who have been held out by the NCAA due to their transfer rules, are eligible.
“After hearing today’s testimony, today’s arguments, and carefully reviewing the submissions filed by the parties actually numerous times, I am granting and issuing a temporary restraining order for 14 days and joining the NCAA from enforcing the transfer eligibility,” Bailey said.
A full hearing on the injunction is set for Dec. 27, 2023.
“I really don’t have enough information or enough time to consider Mr. Battle’s personal case. I will defer ruling on that until such time as aI rule on the preliminary injunction in two weeks,” Bailey said.
The TRO also keeps the NCAA from enforcing its restitution rule, meaning the NCAA cannot circle back and punish teams retroactively.
When asked for clarification by the NCAA lawyers, Bailey said, “the only thing I am saying is you can’t make a player sit out a year.”
The case was brought by seven states, including West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reports, he expects the NCAA to appeal the decision made today.
Battle should be good to play this Saturday for West Virginia against UMass, as this decision makes it that he can play and the NCAA cannot hurt WVU or Battle in the future based on him seeing the floor. Battle is a two-time undergraduate transfer, citing mental health as the reason for him transferring. The NCAA had already denied his waiver request to play and then the appeal when the waiver was denied.
This rule also grants WVU’s Noah Farrakhan immediate eligibility as well as he is a two-time transfer who was sitting out this season. Farrakhan should also be eligible for the Mountaineers beginning this Saturday.
