US: Appeals court agrees to fast-track O’Bannon challenge

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to expedite the appeal of a recent ruing against the NCAA regarding collegiate athlete compensation first filed by former NCAA athlete Ed O’Bannon, say reports.

The court ordered Wednesday that the NCAA’s opening brief appealing the lawsuit will be due November 14, with the plaintiffs’ response due by January 21. After the NCAA’s reply, the court ordered that “this appeal shall be calendared as soon as practicable.”

Both sides filed a motion Friday to fast-track the process for briefs and oral arguments before a permanent injunction takes effects on August 1 of next year. According to reports, under a normal schedule it is unlikely the appeal would have been heard until late next year.

The NCAA’s appeal of US District Judge Claudia Wilken’s ruling last month will challenge her ruling that the NCAA’s limit on compensation to its athletes. Judge Wilken ruled that the caps “unreasonably restrain trade.”

The judge’s ruling included an injunction that will allow athletes to receive deferred compensation in addition to full scholarships, beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, according to reports.

Full content: Indy Star

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