Trevor Lawrence – Noteworthy
The NCAA was able to claim victory Friday night after a judge ruled against the governing body for college sports in a federal antitrust lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken in Oakland, California, said college football and men’s and women’s basketball players competing at the NCAA’s highest level should be permitted to receive compensation from schools beyond the current athletic scholarship, but only if the benefits are tied to education. The NCAA cannot “limit compensation or benefits related to education,” Wilken wrote. That opens the door to athletes receiving more scholarship money to pursue postgraduate degrees, finish undergraduate degrees or study abroad. The NCAA could not, under the court’s injunction, limit schools if they choose to provide athletes items that could be considered school supplies such as computers, science equipment or musical instruments. “Technically the plaintiffs won the case and the NCAA will not be happy that they were found to be in violation of antitrust law, but ultimately this allows the NCAA to keep the bulk of their amateurism rules in place,” said Gabe Feldman director of the Tulane University sports law program. The plaintiffs in the so-called Alston cases were seeking much more. – AP College Football
Trevor Lawrence – Noteworthy
North Carolina tight end Brandon Fritts suffered a torn right ACL during spring practice, the school announced. In 2018, he tore his left ACL in spring practice and missed the entire season. A school news release said he has been ruled out for the spring and “will continue to be evaluated heading into the fall.” The 2019 season will be his sixth, and it’s his final year of eligibility. He entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal in December but changed his mind and decided to stay with the Tar Heels. “Obviously, I’m disappointed with this injury, but I’m going to attack the rehab process and see what might be possible during the fall,” Fritts said in a statement. “I made a commitment to be at North Carolina because I wanted to play with my teammates and this coaching staff, and I’m going to work to try and make that a possibility.” Head coach Mack Brown also issued a statement about Fritts. “I feel terrible for Brandon, but he’s a tough young man and he’ll work really hard during the rehab process,” Brown said. “He’s been through this before, so that may help him as he navigates the next few months. … We’ll do everything we can to support him, pick him up, and make sure he knows that he brings a ton of value to what we’re doing, both on and off the field.” – Gwinnett Prep Sports