Jeremy Pruitt Sues NCAA for $100 Million Over Allegations of Conspiracy
Former Tennessee Volunteers head coach Jeremy Pruitt has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking $100 million in lost wages. He alleges a conspiracy between the NCAA and the University of Tennessee, claiming he was unfairly made a "sacrificial lamb" amid a recruiting scandal that led to his firing in early 2021.
Pruitt’s dismissal followed the revelation of improper payments to recruits, a situation considered egregious at the time but now rendered permissible by new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations. In his lawsuit, Pruitt asserts that the NCAA’s investigatory processes were flawed and biased against him, alleging that he was not allowed to fully defend himself during the hearings. He claims that the NCAA’s panel misapplied standards of evidence, prioritizing financial convenience over fairness.
Additionally, Pruitt accuses Tennessee of being involved in illegal recruiting practices prior to his arrival and alleges he reported these violations to former Athletic Director and renowned coach Phillip Fulmer. Coincidentally, Fulmer announced his retirement around the same time Pruitt was fired, further intensifying the controversy.
Pruitt faces a six-year show-cause penalty, limiting his coaching opportunities until after the 2027 season, which has severely impacted his career. The lawsuit highlights how rapidly the landscape of college football has changed, particularly in light of recent developments surrounding NIL.
With serious implications and a wealth of accusations, this lawsuit is expected to capture attention as it unfolds, potentially revealing deeper issues within NCAA practices and university governance. An outcome in Pruitt’s favor could challenge precedent and re-evaluate the treatment of coaches involved in similar situations.
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