The U.S. Department of Justice and NCAA both told Zakai Zeigler to get a job. Now, a federal judge has ruled against the former Tennessee guard — doesn’t it feel great to say that? — and siding with all that is good in this world.
Zeigler’s request for a preliminary injunction that would allow him to play a fifth season of college basketball has been denied, On3’s Pete Nakos reports, ending his career as a Volunteer and starting his pursuit of going pro in something other than sports.
He initially filed a lawsuit against the NCAA regarding his eligibility back in May, alleging that the rule permitting just four seasons of competition in a five-year window is “in an unlawful restraint of trade under federal and state antitrust laws.” In the same lawsuit, he alleges his NIL valuation for the upcoming season would fall between $2 million and $4 million based on his value as an “upperclassman with a proven performance record and high visibility, especially in a high-profile conference like the SEC.”
The NCAA responded by saying Zeigler’s push for a fifth year — and anyone else doing the same — hurts future student-athletes, particularly incoming freshmen in need of those roster spots the post-graduate players out of eligibility are trying to take. He felt it would allow him to not only earn one final lucrative NIL deal in college, but he’d also continue his pro development. They said if he “had a viable path to the NBA, given his resume, he would already be a viable prospect. After all, NBA scouts would have seen him play in 138 collegiate contests. … There is no evidence that one more season of participation in college basketball is necessary (for Zeigler to play professionally)” considering he’s already met the age and experience requirements to enter the draft, but passed multiple times in favor of a degree.
“While Plaintiff focuses only on what that means for himself, he does so to the detriment of the entering student-athletes who dream of being the next Zakai Zeigler,” the NCAA said. “… College athletics is a means to a better end for student-athletes — not the end itself.”
The back-and-forth was so egregious the U.S. Department of Justice even decided to get involved — a first in eligibility cases. They asked the court to apply a “flexible rule-of-reason approach” when hearing the case while considering the NCAA v. Alston ruling in 2021 regarding the violation of antitrust laws, making it clear eligibility rules help maintain fairness and academic standards. Following those rules can prevent schools from gaining unfair athletic advantages and distinguish them from professional sports.
Today, U.S. District Judge Katherine A. Crytzer agreed.
“This Court is a court of law, not policy,” Crytzer said in the denial. “What the NCAA should do as a policy matter to benefit student athletes is beyond the reach of the Sherman Act and TTPA and by extension, this Court.”
Zeigler’s representation, to no one’s surprise, said they disagreed with the decision and would continue to fight for his right to play.
“We are disappointed the Court declined to grant a preliminary injunction on the basis that the NCAA does not directly control NIL compensation, just days after the House settlement confirmed they would do exactly that,” Litson PLLC and the Garza Law Firm said. “This ruling is just the first chapter of what we believe will ultimately be a successful challenge. We intend to press forward and are evaluating the best path ahead for Zakai.”
Keep on trying, it’s not gonna work. Your time is done. Goodbye Zakai, it was nice. Hope you find your paradise — as long as it’s not on a college basketball floor.
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