Mississippi Judge Grants Ole Miss QB Extra Year After NCAA Denial
Judge Robert Whitwell granted Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction allowing an extra year of eligibility after the NCAA denied his waiver on Jan. 9.
Overview
Mississippi Circuit Court Judge Robert Whitwell granted Trinidad Chambliss a preliminary injunction on Thursday allowing him an extra year of NCAA eligibility after the NCAA denied his waiver request on Jan. 9, according to court documents.
The ruling follows the NCAA Athletics Eligibility Subcommittees Feb. 4 decision upholding the denial, and addresses Chamblisss contention that the NCAA failed to properly consider nearly 91 pages of medical records documenting two missed seasons.
Ole Miss athletic officials said they appreciated the court's decision and that Chambliss demonstrated perseverance, while the NCAA expressed frustration with state-court intervention and did not immediately say whether it would appeal, according to statements from both parties.
Chambliss, 23, has been in college five years but played three seasons; he completed 294 of 445 passes for 3,937 yards with 22 touchdowns for Ole Miss last season, records show.
The preliminary injunction could prompt an appeal and raises questions about conflicting state-court rulings versus NCAA rules, and the NCAA said such outcomes make partnering with Congress necessary to provide uniform eligibility standards.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources largely present this story neutrally, quoting the judge and the NCAA while providing factual context on Chambliss' medical history and on-field achievements. Evaluative phrasing appears mainly in source quotations, and both sides’ views are included, so editorial choices don’t create a distinct partisan framing.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Trinidad Chambliss missed the 2022 season at Ferris State due to respiratory issues, complications from tonsillitis, and chronic fatigue, leading to tonsil removal; he submitted nearly 91 pages of medical records.[1]
The NCAA denied the waiver multiple times, arguing Chambliss did not suffer an incapacitating injury or illness in 2022, as he chose medication over surgery to potentially play, and questioned the medical evidence provided.[1][2]
The preliminary injunction allows Chambliss to play for Ole Miss in the 2026 season while the lawsuit proceeds, potentially making him the top returning SEC quarterback and a contender impact player.[1]
The NCAA expressed frustration with state-court intervention and has not stated whether it will appeal, but similar cases suggest potential appeals to enforce uniform eligibility rules.
In his last season, Chambliss completed 294 of 445 passes for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns, plus 527 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns, leading Ole Miss to their first College Football Playoff appearance and finishing No. 8 in Heisman voting.[7]
History
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