Roddy Gayle Jr. sues NCAA for Michigan basketball eligibility

Roddy Gayle Jr., a former Michigan basketball guard, has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA and its president, Charlie Baker, seeking to secure eligibility for the 2026-27 season. The legal action, filed in Niagara County Supreme Court, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the NCAA from using its eligibility rules to bar him from competition.

The dispute centers on the NCAA’s transition to a new age-based eligibility system. Gayle Jr. contends that if the new rules had been applied as written during his recruitment, he would not have signed a professional Summer League contract, which currently impacts his collegiate standing. He notes that while he received $1,700 for Summer League play, he has never played a professional game.

Michigan has reportedly offered Gayle Jr. a spot on the roster for the upcoming season, contingent upon him being declared eligible. He is currently practicing with the Wolverines, who are looking to defend their national championship. The player is seeking a temporary restraining order to allow him to begin playing immediately while the broader legal matter is resolved.