NCAA Eligibility Lawsuit: Two College Basketball Players Seek Extra Year

Chris Ledlum and Jordan Dingle, who transferred to St. John's after playing in the Ivy League, are filing a lawsuit against the NCAA for denying their waiver for an extra year of eligibility.

Chris Ledlum and Jordan Dingle, two college basketball players who transferred from the Ivy League to St. John's, are taking their fight for an extra year of NCAA eligibility to court.

The Ivy League canceled its 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while most other Division I conferences played at least some games. As a result, Ledlum and Dingle missed out on a year of competition.

Ledlum played three seasons for the Penn Quakers before transferring to St. John's in 2021. Dingle played two seasons for the Dartmouth Big Green before transferring to St. John's in 2020.

Both players applied for a waiver from the NCAA to receive an extra year of eligibility, but their requests were denied. The NCAA argued that the Ivy League's decision to cancel its season was not a "force majeure" event that would warrant an extra year of eligibility.

Ledlum and Dingle filed a lawsuit in the Queens Supreme Court in New York on Wednesday, arguing that the NCAA's decision was arbitrary and capricious. They are seeking an injunction that would allow them to play for St. John's for an extra year.

In their lawsuit, Ledlum and Dingle argue that they are suffering "irreparable harm" by not having an extra year of eligibility. They argue that they are losing out on scholarship money, professional prospects, and NIL opportunities.

"There are dire consequences for student-athletes that the NCAA labels ineligible," the lawsuit states. "Consequences include: loss of scholarship, inhibited professional prospects, and inability to leverage Name, Image, and Likeness ('NIL') opportunities."

Ledlum and Dingle are represented by John J. Marzulli, a sports attorney who has represented numerous high-profile clients, including former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.

Marzulli said in a statement that the NCAA's decision to deny Ledlum and Dingle an extra year of eligibility is "unjust and unfair."

"Chris and Jordan are two hard-working student-athletes who have been penalized for something that was beyond their control," Marzulli said. "The NCAA's decision is arbitrary and capricious, and we are confident that the court will overturn it."

The NCAA has not yet commented on the lawsuit.

In addition to the lawsuit, Ledlum and Dingle have also declared for the NBA Draft. However, they have until late next month to withdraw from the draft and return to college.

Ledlum said in a statement that he would like to return to St. John's if he is granted an extra year of eligibility.

"I love Coach (Rick) Pitino and this is home," Ledlum said. "I've loved playing for St. John's."

Dingle said in a statement that he is also interested in returning to St. John's.

"I love being in New York and I love being close to my family," Dingle said. "I love the coaching staff and all my teammates here. I really had an amazing time this season and would love to pick up where I left off."