Strike up the steel drums and put the Trinidad flags at full mast.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted an injunction in a Mississippi court by Judge Robert Whitwell allowing him to continue playing football as the signal caller’s lawsuit against the NCAA proceeds. Chambliss’ attorneys successfully argued against the NCAA that the organization ignored a medical redshirt season and were causing harm to his chances for a career in football.
The court scene had all the makings of a John
Grisham novel. A packed court room full of extremely interested folks who came to watch, praying for a win for Chambliss. The deep, measured and Southern voice of Judge Whitwell resonated as he politely asked for Ole Miss quarterback coach Joe Judge to please slow down when talking for the stenographer. “Down here you know we talk a little bit slower,” Chambliss’ attorney said.
The judge asked Chambliss pointed questions when he took the stand this afternoon. When asked if he played a single snap in the 2022 season, the Rebel quarterback said no, not one. When testifying about that season, Chambliss said his coach told him before the season began he would be medical redshirted for the year.
Chambliss’ mother detailed how her son had respiratory issues and was unable to prepare for the 2022 season losing weight down to 176 pounds in the preseason.
The NCAA made references to a recent ruling from Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako being denied eligibility after playing in a professional league, but ole Judge Whitwell is a straight ball knower and said the two cases were not similar or apples to apples comparison.
It’s really a cut and dry situation for the NCAA and Ole Miss. The powers that be wanted to exert some amount of control and draw a line in the sand with an emerging superstar in the sport. It chose poorly as it was clear Chambliss stands to gain money from his play in the 2026 season, improved odds to succeed at the next level in the NFL, and potentially boost his draft stock with NFL teams by proving the 2025 season was not just some fluke.
Now I have zero doubt the NCAA will file some appeal to this, and they’ve already put out a very long, boring and judgmental as hell statement about this case. Awesome, Trinidad is still going to be taking the field, and y’all can watch from your ivory towers in Indianapolis with clutched pearls.
