RJ Luis Wins Temporary Order Allowing Play Through Nov. 13
A judge in Baton Rouge issued an injunction that permits the former St. John's star to practice and play for LSU, citing threats made by the SEC commissioner.
By Vikram Harrison ·
A Louisiana judge granted an injunction on Wednesday that allows basketball player RJ Luis to practice and play for LSU until a hearing scheduled for Nov. 13.
The court order provides legal protection for Luis to remain on the roster without facing penalties from the Southeastern Conference. The decision was issued in the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. Judge William Jorden previously ruled in favor of two former football players, Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who faced similar eligibility issues regarding their professional experience.
Luis, a former player at St. John's University, has been ineligible to play under SEC rules because he signed an NBA contract and gained professional experience. The conference prohibits athletes with such backgrounds from joining team rosters. However, the current ruling allows Luis to participate while the legal battle continues.
Attorney Tony Clayton, who represents Luis as well as Wright and Harris, argued that the lawsuit includes both the SEC and LSU because the conference is threatening the university. Clayton stated that LSU needs to be forced to allow Luis to play since the player is qualified. He noted that the SEC is effectively stopping Coach Will Wade from letting Luis exercise his right to play basketball.
During a press conference outside the courthouse, Clayton compared SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey to Kim Jong Un. Clayton said, "LSU may be intimidated by ‘Kim Jong’ Sankey, but we're not." This comment followed a previous hearing where Sankey testified for more than three hours. At that time, the court ruled that Wright and Harris were eligible to be rostered, but LSU kept them off the team due to fears of conference recourse and a federal lawsuit filed by the SEC that same week.
Coach Will Wade previously stated he would follow SEC guidelines regarding former professional athletes. He now must decide whether to add Luis to the official roster based on the new court order. The injunction remains in effect until the Nov. 13 hearing in Baton Rouge.
Legal representatives for the football players may file a civil suit against the SEC in the coming weeks. They seek monetary damages for not being rostered by the team. The lawsuit would argue that the SEC's threat of action prevented the athletes from playing this season. The next major procedural step for Luis's case is the Nov. 13 hearing.
