Memphis basketball star James Wiseman and the NCAA seem to be one step closer to a resolution as the freshman fights for eligibility.
Wiseman and his legal team withdrew their lawsuit against the NCAA on Thursday as, per a statement from his legal team, the lawsuit against the NCAA is impeding a resolution regarding his eligibility.
The NCAA declared him ineligible in early November due to an “extra benefit” from 2017. Wiseman and his mother, Donzaleigh Artis, accepted approximately $11,000 from Penny Hardaway, who was a high school basketball coach in Memphis at the time. Though Hardaway was not working for the University of Memphis at that point, he was considered a booster as he had made a $1 million donation to the university back in 2008.
Wiseman’s legal team filed the suit last week because he had already been declared eligible for this season back in May. The lawsuit deemed the NCAA’s actions “arbitrary and capricious.”
Memphis has declared Wiseman ineligible as the NCAA continues its work on the case. In a statement released Thursday, Memphis announced that it would immediately apply for Wiseman’s reinstatement. The team leader in points, rebounds and blocks will be able to practice with his team as the NCAA’s investigation continues.
