U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney issued a new order Sunday clarifying her Friday ruling that granted a fifth year of eligibility to some athletes, but made clear it does not include football players who signed pro contracts this summer and then changed their minds. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The judge responded to an NCAA request for clarity, stating that her decision still stands but has no impact on other NCAA rules, including the prohibition on players signing pro contracts and then returning to college. The clarification also means no changes to transfer portal rules or the House settlement.
The initial ruling had the potential to disrupt the upcoming college football season, as teams are preparing for the new 'five for five' rule. However, after the clarification, players who signed professional contracts will not be allowed to return to college.
NCAA President Charlie Baker called the initial ruling 'potentially chaos-inducing' and urged Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act, which would provide lawsuit protection for the NCAA over eligibility rules.