Anyone who says they understand the eligibility rules in college sports right now is probably confused. Nobody knows that more than Mark Mitchell and Kentucky basketball.
First, Mitchell was granted a temporary restraining order allowing him to return for a fifth season, and also to transfer to another school. Then the SEC released a statement that players who entered the draft, played on an NBA roster, or signed an NBA contract would not be allowed back. That was followed by a clarification that Mitchell did not fall under any of those rules, getting a sigh of relief from Wildcats fans.
Now, his eligibility is under scrutiny again from the SEC. Per Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, the SEC is set to challenge his ability to play at Kentucky under their
rule against transfers within the conference after the initial transfer portal window closes.
Mitchell did not enter the transfer portal due to his eligibility being up. The SEC has a rule against intra-conference transfers once that passes, and they are preparing to fight Kentucky based on that rule. If successful, Mitchell could return to Missouri or join another conference.
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports is also reporting that attorneys have amended their complaint against the NCAA for allowing a member conference to make rules impacting players' eligibility. That adds another wrinkle to the already big mess.
For now, it seems as though both sides are dug in, and things will continue to be fought in court. Will Mark Mitchell ever get to play for the Wildcats? Nobody knows.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: SEC set to target Mark Mitchell eligibility at Kentucky
