RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) celebrates during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Attorney Ryan Downton of Texas Trial Group, which represents Kentucky Basketball transfer Mark Mitchell and other athletes fighting for a fifth season of eligibility, is now criticizing the SEC’s new policy, telling On3 that the conference’s actions could conflict with existing court orders.
“The SEC’s actions put the NCAA in contempt of multiple court orders,” Downton said. “It is cartel-like conduct when NCAA conferences attempt to create their own spur-of-the-moment rules in response to Courts enjoining those same rules at the NCAA level.”
The SEC announced Tuesday that all 16 member universities had agreed to a new policy preventing schools from having athletes on their rosters who have certain professional sports experience. The move comes shortly after the Big Ten adopted a similar rule and amid a series of court rulings involving athletes seeking additional eligibility.
The policy could have significant implications for athletes such as Mitchell, who is currently seeking to play a fifth collegiate season. A Kentucky judge previously ruled in Mitchell’s favor regarding his eligibility, but the SEC’s new policy creates another potential obstacle.
According to reporting from KSR’s Jack Pilgrim, Mitchell’s case could be different from some of the other athletes affected by the rule because he was a graduating senior who did not have to appropriately declare or withdraw from the NBA Draft, did not sign an NBA contract, and has not been listed on an NBA or G League roster.
With the conference creating its own restriction while multiple court cases remain active, it will be worth watching whether the SEC’s policy faces a legal challenge and, more immediately, what it means for Mitchell and Kentucky.
The SEC’s decision now adds another layer to an already complicated legal battle over whether athletes from the 2022 recruiting class can receive an additional season of eligibility.
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