Benjamin Pearce files lawsuit for fifth year eligibility in NCAA D-II, D-III

Division III men's basketball player Benjamin Pearce has initiated a federal proposed class action lawsuit seeking a fifth year of eligibility for athletes in NCAA Divisions II and III. Filed in California, the lawsuit aims to block the NCAA's restrictions on the incoming freshmen class of 2022, which affects players who have already completed four years of eligibility. Pearce's case echoes previous lawsuits targeting the NCAA's new age-based eligibility rules, which have faced legal challenges in multiple courts. Success for Pearce could expand eligibility for thousands of lower-division athletes nationwide, contingent on the outcome of this case and ongoing litigation against the NCAA.

• 1:29 PMYahoo Sports — With New Lawsuit, 5th Year Eligibility Battle Reaches NCAA D-II, D-III