Zakai Zeigler Sues NCAA for Fifth Year: Could This Mean Five Playing Seasons for All?
Zakai Zeigler,sues NCAA for Fift yeah.A standout guard for the University of Tennessee, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking a fifth season of eligibility after already completing four years and graduating. Zeigler, who ranks third on the SEC’s all-time assists leaderboard, argues that the NCAA’s current rule limiting athletes to four seasons within a five-year window violates federal and state antitrust laws. His legal team is seeking a preliminary injunction to allow him to play while pursuing graduate studies .
This legal action is part of a broader movement challenging the NCAA’s eligibility rules. Earlier this year, Rutgers transfer Jett Elad filed a similar lawsuit, claiming the NCAA’s “five-year rule” unfairly restricts junior college athletes. Elad is seeking an injunction to prevent the NCAA from enforcing this rule so he can play for Rutgers and secure a $500,000 NIL deal .
The NCAA is reportedly considering a proposal to grant athletes five years of eligibility across all sports. This proposal offers potential benefits, such as extended player development and expanded academic opportunities. However, it also raises concerns about increased transfer instability and challenges related to scholarships and roster management.
While the NCAA has not yet implemented this change, the ongoing legal challenges and discussions indicate a potential shift in eligibility rules. If adopted, this change could allow athletes more flexibility in their college careers, but it would also require careful consideration of its impact on college sports dynamics.
For now, Zeigler’s lawsuit remains a pivotal case that could influence the future of college athlete eligibility. As the NCAA reviews its policies, the outcome of this case may set a precedent for how eligibility rules evolve in the coming years.
