Grambling University student athlete suing NCAA

Grambling University women’s basketball player challenges NCAA

HILTON HEAD ISLAND – Grambling University women’s basketball player Brenda McKinney is taking a stand against the NCAA. McKinney, a junior small forward from Washington, D.C., has filed a federal class action lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging discrimination against Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its academic reform programs.

Motion denied for delay in lawsuit

The NCAA had requested a postponement of the lawsuit, but U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark J. Dinsmore denied the motion, setting a deposition for McKinney on July 17. This comes right after a settlement conference scheduled for July 16. Judge Dinsmore expressed that the NCAA’s failure to complete the deposition earlier does not constitute good cause for a delay.

Arguments presented in the lawsuit

The lawsuit, filed in Indiana where the NCAA headquarters are located, asserts that the NCAA’s Academic Performance Program (APP) disproportionately affects HBCUs. McKinney’s attorney, Elizabeth Fegan, highlights that the NCAA failed to align its measures with its own bylaws, ultimately putting Black student-athletes at a disadvantage.

NCAA’s response

The NCAA maintains that the APP aims to ensure student-athletes receive a valuable education leading to graduation. Additionally, the NCAA argues that McKinney lacks the standing to pursue injunctive relief claims. While noting that Grambling’s women’s basketball team has never faced an APP-related postseason ban, the NCAA asserts there is no immediate risk of a penalty during McKinney’s collegiate career.

Implications of the lawsuit

The outcome of McKinney’s case could have broader implications for the treatment of HBCUs within the NCAA’s academic framework. By challenging the NCAA’s policies, McKinney seeks to promote fairness and equitable opportunities for student-athletes, particularly those attending HBCUs.

Stay tuned for updates

As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community awaits the developments in McKinney’s lawsuit against the NCAA. The case not only sheds light on the disparities faced by HBCU student-athletes but also underscores the importance of advocating for inclusivity and equality in collegiate sports.