Canadian junior hockey star files class-action lawsuit against the NCAA

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Axel Williams
August 15, 2024 (7:38)

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Rylan Masterson is currently a player for Fort Erie Meteors of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, and at 19 years old, he has quite a bit of experience.

Part of that experience came just two years ago when Masterson played a couple of exhibition games for the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. Unfortunately, this cost Masterson his NCAA eligibility. Numerous coaches denied him a spot on their teams, noting that it would be against the rules to let him play.

According to Rick Westhead, this has led Masterson to file a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA. The hockey star and his legal team believe the NCAA is violating antitrust and anticompetitive laws by doing such a thing.

As Westhead reports, the NCAA was well-aware of this by-law, noting that it left them open to legal vulnerabilities. Coaches throughout the NCAA were given a chance to amend this back in 2023. However, they opted not to. Now, the decision has come back to bite them.

"Later that year NCAA officials told Division 1 coaches that they could, but would not be required to, eliminate the 'boycott' if they chose. The NCAA conveyed that the issue was in the coaches' hands. In order for the NCAA to end the 'boycott,' however, enough coaches needed to vote in favour of eliminating it. The coaches have refused to do so.»

Masterson also notes that athletes in other sports have been able to compete overseas at the Olympics and other competitions, while still maintaining NCAA eligibility. Hockey stars from Sweden have been able to stay in the NCAA, while Katie Ledecky, a swimmer, is perhaps the best example of the NCAA making exceptions. Only time will tell whether or not Masterson will be able to score a win here.

Let us know if you agree with the premise of the lawsuit, in the poll down below. Additionally, stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world.

Source: Rick Westhead on X
Rylan Masterson Files Lawsuit Against NCAA