The NCAA just dropped a bombshell, officially suing Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. NCAA President Charlie Baker announced the lawsuit on Friday, October 16, just three days after DeWine signed a state executive order that gives Class of 2022 athletes at Ohio universities an extra year of eligibility. Talk about a quick reaction!
DeWine’s Order Ignites a Firestorm Over Eligibility
So, what’s got the NCAA so fired up? Governor DeWine’s executive order, signed October 13, directly allows those specific 2022 class athletes in Ohio to get an extra year on the field, court, or wherever they compete. This isn’t just some small tweak; it’s a direct challenge to how the NCAA governs player eligibility. It’s coming after the NCAA’s “five-for-five ruling” from June, which already stirred up plenty of chaos in eligibility courtrooms. The NCAA is clearly not letting this one slide.
Why the NCAA is Pulling Out the Legal Big Guns
Baker and the NCAA are not messing around, seeking “injunctive and declaratory relief for three independent grounds.” They’re coming at this from multiple angles, and the reasons are heavy hitters. First, the NCAA claims this executive order unlawfully messes with interstate commerce, violating the Commerce Clause in the US Constitution. That’s a federal law argument, right there. Second, they’re saying it violates the First Amendment by trying to give Ohio institutions a pass to ignore NCAA rules while still enjoying all the perks of being NCAA members. That’s a bold move to call out a First Amendment violation against a state!
And finally, Baker didn’t hold back, stating, “Governors are expected to turn square corners and act within their authority. The Executive Order is unlawful because Governor DeWine lacks the authority to permit Ohio colleges and universities to disregard the rules they have agreed to follow by rostering ineligible student-athletes.” He’s basically saying DeWine overstepped his authority under state law, trying to let Ohio schools play by their own rules while everyone else follows the book.
This isn’t just about one state’s athletes; it’s about the NCAA’s power to enforce its rules nationwide. This lawsuit is a massive moment for how player eligibility will be handled moving forward. Stay locked in, because this legal battle is just getting started, and it’s going to be wild to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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