RJ Luis Jr. wins injunction against SEC and LSU

A Baton Rouge judge has issued a preliminary injunction that temporarily clears former St. John’s star RJ Luis Jr. to play basketball for LSU. The ruling by Judge Ronald R. Johnson prevents the Southeastern Conference (SEC) from penalizing LSU for rostering Luis and prohibits the university from citing SEC protocols as a reason to keep him off the floor.

The injunction takes effect November 3, coinciding with LSU’s season opener, and remains in place until a scheduled hearing on November 13. The legal battle stems from Luis’s eligibility status after he declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, signed brief contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, but never appeared in an NBA regular-season game.

While a previous injunction in August addressed NCAA eligibility, this new order targets the SEC’s specific rules that bar teams from adding players with professional experience. LSU head coach Will Wade has declined to comment on the specific status of Luis, stating only that his position regarding following conference protocols has not changed.