Knoxville, Tennessee – The NCAA finds itself facing a significant hurdle in antitrust cases as a result of the Supreme Court’s 2021 Alston decision, which ruled against the governing body for college sports. While the NCAA has the right to enforce its rules, questions remain about the legality of these rules. This issue has come to the forefront with the NCAA’s latest investigation into the University of Tennessee (UT) and a subsequent lawsuit filed by Tennessee’s attorney general.
The NCAA’s investigation focuses on possible Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) violations by the Tennessee Volunteers. However, UT is fighting back against these allegations, compounded by the antitrust case brought against the NCAA by the attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia. This clash between the NCAA and Tennessee has garnered attention from the sports law community, including sports law attorney Dan Lust, who believes it could be a pivotal case for the NCAA’s power.
Lust explains that the NCAA’s authority has been significantly diminished in the realm of NIL since July 1, 2021. With different state laws and a lack of clear NCAA guidelines, the organization is grappling to establish control. The lawsuit filed by Tennessee sends a clear message that the schools are pushing back against the NCAA’s perceived power.
If the NCAA’s rules and enforcement actions are found to violate antitrust laws, it could prevent them from enforcing their NIL rules and imposing penalties on schools like Tennessee. However, the NCAA has the right to try to enforce its own rules, regardless of their legality. Lust argues that the NCAA’s attempts to exercise this authority may be unfair and unwise given the evolving landscape and growing discomfort surrounding NIL regulations.
The heart of the lawsuit filed by Tennessee hinges on the Sherman Antitrust Act. This act aims to prevent anti-competitive practices and allow free competition. Lust suggests that the NCAA’s current policies restrict competition and limit athletes’ freedom of choice, running afoul of the Sherman Act. The lawsuit raises questions about why the NCAA prohibits inducements for transfers or choosing specific schools when it contradicts the principles of competition and fair decision-making.
The NCAA’s track record in court has been unfavorable in recent years, particularly after the Alston case. The Supreme Court’s ruling against the NCAA in that case has set a precedent and emboldened individuals and entities to challenge the organization. This lawsuit against the NCAA by Tennessee and Virginia has the potential to further undermine the NCAA’s authority and could prompt other similar cases across the country.
If the NCAA loses this lawsuit, it could prompt a major shift in NIL regulations and enforceability. State laws already complicate the NCAA’s ability to control NIL, and losing this case would further erode their authority. However, the outcome of this case is still uncertain. The NCAA may choose to change its policies rather than face a wave of lawsuits across the country.
In conclusion, the ongoing clash between the NCAA and Tennessee over NIL regulations and alleged violations is a high-stakes battle. The lawsuit filed against the NCAA raises significant questions about the organization’s authority and the legality of its rules. This case could have far-reaching implications for NIL regulations and the NCAA’s ability to enforce them. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will rule and the impact it will have on college sports.