Vanderbilt's Langston Patterson, Issa Ouattara lead class-action lawsuit against NCAA over redshirt rule

Vanderbilt University's Langston Patterson and Issa Ouattara have filed a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging the redshirt rule. The lawsuit aims to allow athletes to participate in all five years of their NCAA eligibility, rather than the current four-year limit. The plaintiffs argue that the redshirt rule unfairly restricts athletes' opportunities and violates antitrust laws. They claim the rule prevents players from reaching their full potential and limits their ability to earn a living through professional sports. The lawsuit seeks to establish a new rule that would permit athletes to compete in all five years of their NCAA eligibility without penalty. This would provide them with more flexibility and allow for potential injuries or other setbacks during their college careers. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the NCAA and its member institutions, potentially leading to changes in the way athlete eligibility and participation are structured in the future.