# University of Missouri basketball eligibility disputes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-missouri-basketball-eligibility-disputes
> Updated: 2026-10-13T23:00:29.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

University of Missouri basketball players Mark Mitchell and CJ Gunn have been engaged in legal battles to secure eligibility for the 2026-27 season. The disputes center on whether previous professional stints, such as playing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, impact their collegiate status under NCAA rules.

On October 13, a Boone County judge issued a temporary restraining order for CJ Gunn, allowing him to play his fifth season. The ruling requires Gunn to repay $524 earned during his time with the Calgary Surge and serve a one-for-one suspension of three games or practices to account for his professional appearances. His legal team argued that NCAA eligibility rules should not be applied retroactively to his time in Canada.

The legal status of Mark Mitchell remains uncertain following a previous injunction in Kentucky that was later dissolved. His team is reportedly seeking further hearings.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: CJ Gunn granted temporary eligibility to play for Mizzou

A Boone County judge granted CJ Gunn a temporary restraining order, allowing him to play a fifth season for Mizzou after a dispute over his professional play in Canada.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cj-gunn-granted-temporary-eligibility-to-play-for-mizzou

### 2026-10-11: Dennis Gates addresses Mark Mitchell and CJ Gunn eligibility battles

Mizzou basketball coach Dennis Gates is supporting players Mark Mitchell and CJ Gunn as they navigate legal battles to regain eligibility for the 2026-27 season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dennis-gates-addresses-mark-mitchell-and-cj-gunn-eligibility-battles

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Cite as: University of Missouri basketball eligibility disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-missouri-basketball-eligibility-disputes