Syracuse fans wondering whether Amarri Monroe will actually suit up for the Orange finally have an answer.
Yes.
At least today.
And that’s where things get complicated.
Monroe’s stunning late-summer addition became possible after a federal judge in Colorado issued a preliminary injunction allowing certain athletes from the high school Class of 2022 who had exhausted four years of eligibility to play another season.
Monroe fits into that group. And according to attorney Mitch Gilfillan and legal analyst on Field of 68, players covered by the injunction are currently eligible. Gilfillan is also an NIL consultant.
“Right now these athletes are eligible to play,” Gilfillan said. “You can practice with your team.”
That’s the good news for Syracuse.
The potentially nerve-racking news?
The situation could change very quickly.
The NCAA is fighting the ruling and seeking to have the injunction stayed. Gilfillan expects Judge Charlotte Sweeney to deny that request, which would likely send the fight quickly to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Gilfillan believes the appeals court could act “within the next 24 to maybe 72 hours” and potentially issue an administrative stay, “essentially pausing all activity as the appeal proceeds forward.”
BUT, that wouldn’t be a final ruling that Monroe is ineligible.
An administrative stay would temporarily pause the effect of the injunction while the appeals court considers the legal issues surrounding it.
And there are several possibilities.
Gilfillan said the appeals court could issue a full stay, a partial stay or no stay at all.
“I think we’re going to find out a lot here in this upcoming week,” he said.
So Syracuse’s prized late addition remains in something of a legal waiting game.
But there’s another part of Gilfillan’s analysis that should make Gerry McNamara look pretty smart.
Asked what advice he’d give basketball coaches navigating this unprecedented situation, Gilfillan recommended caution — but also suggested teams shouldn’t necessarily close the door on these newly available players.
“If you happen to have a roster spot that’s open … my advice right now is keep it open,” Gilfillan said.
“There’s a very good chance some of these players do actually become eligible.”
“If I’m a basketball coach and I happen to have a spot or two available, I would absolutely designate that or hold that in case this does proceed forward.”
For today, though, the answer is clear.
Amarri Monroe is eligible.
What happens next could become much clearer within days.
