Tennessee’s 2026 season could significantly depend on what a Knox County judge decides in the coming days following a hearing on Friday.
Joey Aguilar’s motion for an injunction in his lawsuit against the NCAA was heard on Friday by Knox County Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty.
And while some thought it would be a slam dunk and a “hometown hearing”, it turned out to be a bit more interesting than that.
According to those in attendance, Aguilar’s attorney was pressed about a number of arguments, including
what his damages are, and even how things would apply when Tennessee goes on the road.
Judge Heagerty said at the conclusion of the hearing that he will not rule from the bench and will consider the arguments before making a decision.
It appears as though the judge and Aguilar’s counsel mostly went back and forth on what Aguilar’s NIL value is, and what the market is. It doesn’t seem as though Aguilar’s attorney had a clear answer for it. One of the factors for an injunction in Tennessee is being able to show a threat of irreparable harm if no injunction is issued, and there is typically no irreparable harm where there are monetary damages available. As such, that issue could end up being particularly important.
Now, we wait for a ruling, when we’ll know if we’ve got one more season with Joey, or if the need for George MacIntyre to add more weight and strength is even more fast tracked.
