West Virginia University Athletics released a statement following the ruling earlier today which granted a temporary restraining order, eliminating the NCAA’s transfer rules for a two-week period.
The statement from WVU Athletics read:
“We are aware of the ruling today handed down by Judge John P. Bailey of the United States District Court for Northern West Virginia. We are consulting with WVU’s General Counsel along with outside counsel prior to making a determination on the eligibility status of any of our student-athletes. We will discuss this with our student-athletes to make the best decision possible taking into consideration the potential consequences of our decision.”
At the center of this decision was West Virginia men’s basketball player RaeQuan Battle, who was a witness in the case heard today. Battle is a two-time undergraduate transfer and his waiver to play had been denied as well as the appeal which followed.
Battle contested his mental health as being the reason for his transfer decision, with Judge Bailey ruling in the favor of the seven state — as well as Battle — who filed suit against the NCAA and their transfer rules.
“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 in his closing remarks.
Now, it is wait and see time for WVU. The Mountaineers men’s basketball team is scheduled to play on Saturday, and there could potentially be the season debut of Battle as well as Noah Farrakhan.
