NASHVILLE — A federal judge took Diego Pavia’s request for a limited preliminary injunction under advisement at the end of a hearing Wednesday as the Vanderbilt University quarterback seeks to play at least one more season of college football while his lawsuit against the NCAA plays out in court.
U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell asked attorneys how quickly they could be ready for trial. He also asked about the upcoming NCAA transfer portal window, which opens Monday and closes Dec. 28.
Attorney Ryan Downton argued during a 2 1/2-hour hearing that Pavia wants “the narrowest injunction possible” to keep his past time in junior college from counting against his NCAA Division I eligibility using older guidelines. Their best hope is for a quick ruling by Monday.
“I get the sense from him today that he’s looking at the date the portal closes and trying to give enough time to react before it closes,” Downton, speaking after the hearing, said of the judge’s timing.
Campbell peppered attorneys with questions. The judge noted prep schools play against junior colleges, including Pavia’s, without starting their NCAA eligibility clock. He also noted junior colleges don’t allow redshirt seasons.