A Baton Rouge judge issued a preliminary injunction on August 24, 2024, clearing the way for RJ Luis Jr. to suit up for the LSU Tigers men’s basketball team this season. The ruling temporarily blocks the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility ban and prevents any retroactive restitution penalties against the university.
Background of the lawsuit
Luis filed a lawsuit after the NCAA declared him ineligible for signing a professional ‘two‑way’ contract with the Utah Jazz last year. The agreement was never realized because severe injuries prevented him from ever appearing in a regular‑season NBA or G League game.
The court found that the NCAA’s eligibility restrictions imposed on Luis were overly punitive given the circumstances of his injury and the incomplete professional contract. By granting the injunction, the judge halted the association’s ability to sanction the player or the university while the broader legal questions are examined.
Impact on LSU’s roster
The decision means Luis will be available for the Tigers’ opening games, adding depth to a backcourt that has been thin this season. Coach Matt McMahon welcomed the ruling, noting that Luis’s experience and shooting ability could prove vital as the team seeks to improve on last year’s record.
Beyond the immediate roster boost, the case highlights the growing tension between college athletes and the NCAA’s longstanding amateurism model. Legal scholars predict that this injunction could set a precedent for future disputes involving professional contracts and injury‑related eligibility issues.