SEC rules CJ Gunn ineligible at Missouri after Canadian league pay dispute
The Southeastern Conference has determined that CJ Gunn cannot play for Missouri this season, citing a payment he received while competing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. CBS Sports reported that Gunn collected $524 across three games in the league, and despite repaying the money to his team, the SEC's rules still disqualify him from eligibility. Gunn had pursued a path onto the Mizzou roster through the NCAA's "5-in-5" rule and secured a temporary restraining order from a Dallas court before joining the team in September. He previously played at Indiana and DePaul, averaging 13.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game over his two seasons with DePaul.
Although he repaid his team, league policy disqualifies him from playing.
Why it matters
For coaches: Coaches recruiting transfer players must carefully vet any prior professional activity that could trigger conference or NCAA eligibility rules.
For athletes: College athletes who participate in professional or semi-professional leagues abroad risk losing eligibility, even if they return any compensation received.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: Former IU, Lawrence North player CJ Gunn ruled ineligible to play for Missouri. What we know
- CBS Sports · Matt Norlander: Missouri's CJ Gunn ruled ineligble by SEC, Tigers starting C Jaylen Carey indefinitely suspended