Fourqurean Wins Injunction, NCAA Considers Appeal

Nyzier Fourqurean, a cornerback for the University of Wisconsin, won a preliminary injunction allowing him to maintain his college eligibility and return to the Badgers. U.S. District Judge William Conley ruled that Fourqurean's claim against the NCAA was likely to succeed under the Sherman Act, due to the NCAA's refusal to grant him a waiver for his 2021 season at Division II Grand Valley State. This injunction was necessary for Fourqurean to withdraw from NFL draft consideration by the deadline. The NCAA is concerned that such rulings could destabilize college athletics, though Conley emphasized the decision was specific to Fourqurean’s unique circumstances. The NCAA retains the right to appeal, potentially advancing the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Fourqurean's case highlights the ongoing tensions between student-athletes’ rights to profit from their name, image, and likeness, and NCAA eligibility rules.