Judge Grants Injunction Allowing RJ Luis to Play for LSU, Attorney Compares SEC Commissioner to 'Kim Jong'

A Louisiana judge has granted an injunction that permits former St. John's basketball player RJ Luis to practice and play for the LSU Tigers this season. The injunction is effective until a Nov. 13 hearing in Baton Rouge, providing LSU with legal protection to roster Luis without facing penalties from the Southeastern Conference.

Luis is seeking to play for LSU under coach Will Wade, but SEC rules prohibit players with prior professional experience from participating. Initially, Luis was granted eligibility through a court order related to NCAA eligibility rules for the 2022 class. The latest injunction stems from an amended lawsuit that includes both the SEC and LSU.

During a previous injunction hearing for two other athletes, Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified for over three hours. Wright and Harris had also been granted eligibility by a judge to play for LSU, but the university ultimately decided not to roster them, citing the threat of recourse from the conference and a federal lawsuit filed by the SEC.

Attorney Tony Clayton, representing Luis and the other athletes, has been critical of Sankey's actions. "My client, Mr. Luis, felt that it was in his best interest to file this claim against LSU and the SEC because of the commissioner's actions and the commissioner's threat," Clayton told reporters. "LSU may be intimidated by ‘Kim Jong’ Sankey, but we're not."

Clayton explained that LSU was added to the lawsuit because the institution was allegedly being threatened by Sankey. "The reason why we brought LSU into the suit is because LSU is being threatened by Mr. Sankey," Clayton said. "LSU is a great institution. Coach Wade is a good guy, a good coach, but both of them need to be forced to allow RJ to play basketball since he's obviously qualified. And not have the threat of the SEC, which is threatening LSU. In effect, stopping coach Will Wade from letting this kid exercise his fundamental right to play basketball."

Sources suggest that the legal disputes, including this one involving Luis, might pivot towards seeking monetary damages. Attorneys for Wright and Harris are reportedly considering a civil suit against the SEC, claiming the conference's threats prevented the athletes from playing. The injunction for Luis could represent a further step in his pursuit of damages, or potentially lead to a settlement for all athletes involved in cases connected to LSU.