UND Clears 2 Defensive Backs for Opener via Court Order as 5th-Season Fight Continues
Updated
Updated · Grand Forks Herald · Aug 24
UND Clears 2 Defensive Backs for Opener via Court Order as 5th-Season Fight Continues
2 articles · Updated · Grand Forks Herald · Aug 24
Summary
Jonnie Wiltshire and Avery Scott are expected to play Thursday against Long Island after Grand Forks County District Court temporary restraining orders kept them eligible for UND's opener.
Those orders cover the week while both players pursue preliminary injunctions in bids for a fifth season, with hearings expected within 14 days of Friday's appellate action in Wisne v. NCAA.
The timing matters because the Tenth Circuit last Friday granted the NCAA's appeal of a federal ruling that had recognized 2022 graduates as eligible to play in 2026.
UND coach Eric Schmidt said the pair are clear through this week, but a new ruling would be needed before the Sept. 5 game against St. Thomas for eligibility to continue.
Two other UND players seeking a fifth season remain unresolved: safety Jy Martin will not play this weekend, and long snapper David Neuberger still lacks the in-state clearance obtained by Wiltshire and Scott.