Legal Ruling on Joey Aguilar’s Eligibility
In a notable legal ruling, a Knox County Chancery Court judge has rejected Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar‘s request for an injunction that would allow him to play for the Volunteers this upcoming season. Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty delivered the decision on Friday, dismissing Aguilar’s plea to preserve a fourth year of Division I eligibility by not counting his previous playing years in junior college against him. This decision also included the termination of a temporary restraining order previously granted on February 4.
Aguilar’s Football Journey
Aguilar’s football journey began at Diablo Valley Community College in California, where he played from 2021 to 2022. He later transitioned to Appalachian State, where he was on the roster during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. After that, he transferred to the University of Tennessee, completing an impressive season with 67.3% pass completion, collecting 3,565 yards, 24 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions. His collegiate path also included a redshirt year at City College of San Francisco in 2019, which was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Legal Action Against the NCAA
Despite being invited to this week’s NFL draft scouting combine, Aguilar initiated legal action against the NCAA in hopes of suiting up for another season at Tennessee. During the court proceedings, Heagerty referenced key criteria that are typically assessed when determining whether to grant a temporary injunction: potential irreparable damage to the plaintiff if the injunction is denied, the balance of harm that either side may incur, the likelihood of the plaintiff’s success in the lawsuit, and the broader public interest.
Arguments and Court’s Decision
Aguilar’s legal team argued that without the ability to play, he stood to lose between $2 million and $3 million in opportunities concerning name, image, and likeness deals. However, Heagerty emphasized that granting the injunction could set a concerning precedent with broader implications for NCAA eligibility regulations. The judge expressed skepticism about Aguilar’s chances of winning the case, noting,
“the evidence suggested that Aguilar has a low likelihood to succeed on the merits of his claim.”
NCAA’s Response
In response to the ruling, the NCAA issued a statement expressing appreciation for the court’s decision, which it interpreted as validation of the existing eligibility criteria that protect the integrity of collegiate sports for current and future athletes. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its eligibility rules against efforts to derail foundational principles of fair play and competition in college athletics. Looking ahead, the NCAA stated its intention to collaborate with Congress to enhance benefits for student-athletes while ensuring their stability within the collegiate athletic framework.
