A lawsuit that could reshape college sports eligibility
Brock Wisne, a former University of Northern Colorado basketball player, has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado that challenges the NCAA’s recently adopted five‑year eligibility model. The complaint argues that the rule, which takes effect after a student‑athlete turns 19, unfairly singles out the class of 2022 graduates, including Wisne, by denying them an additional year of athletic eligibility that was previously available under a more flexible waiver system.
The new policy eliminates most injury and hardship waivers, retaining exceptions only for pregnancy, military service, or religious missions. Under the previous framework, athletes could spread their four seasons of competition across a five‑year window, often using redshirt years to extend eligibility. Critics say the revised structure forces players to complete their college careers more quickly, limiting opportunities for academic completion and professional development.
Wisne’s legal team, led by attorney Diana Florence, contends that the NCAA has allowed athletes from other graduating classes to benefit from extended eligibility while the 2022 cohort is barred from doing so. The plaintiffs, comprising twelve former Division I athletes, are seeking compensatory damages and a jury trial, asserting that the rule inflicts irreparable harm on both their athletic careers and academic trajectories.
In addition to his litigation, Wisne has signed a professional contract to play basketball in Spain, underscoring the urgency many feel to protect their competitive windows. The lawsuit highlights a broader concern among former college athletes who fear that the NCAA’s policy shift could set a precedent that restricts eligibility for future classes.
University of Northern Colorado’s men’s basketball coach, Steve Smiley, has publicly voiced support for the NCAA’s new model, stating that it encourages athletes to graduate within five years and aligns academic and athletic timelines. His endorsement reflects a institutional perspective that the policy may promote timely degree completion, even as former players like Wisne argue for a more inclusive approach.