“It has become clear to Mr. Wiseman that the lawsuit he filed last week has become an impediment to the University of Memphis in its efforts to reach a fair and equitable resolution with the NCAA concerning his eligibility status. Therefore, Mr. Wiseman advised his legal team that he wished to withdraw his lawsuit,” Wiseman’s lawyers said in a statement.
Wiseman initially filed the lawsuit after he was ruled ineligible for accepting money to help with moving expenses when he was in high school from Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway. At the time, Hardaway was the head coach of Memphis East High School’s boys’ basketball team and had previously served as Wiseman’s AAU coach. However, Hardaway is also considered a booster for the University of Memphis, following a $1 million donation to the school in 2008.
The lawsuit that Wiseman withdrew allowed him to continue to play for Memphis, despite being ruled ineligible by the NCAA.
ESPN college basketball insider Jay Bilas explained why Wiseman may have decided to retract his suit.
“The NCAA told Memphis and James Wiseman’s attorneys that it could not reach a resolution with Memphis with a lawsuit pending. This is the reason for Wiseman taking a nonsuit in the action. The case can be re-filed if a resolution is not reached.”
Memphis has appealed the NCAA’s ruling on Wiseman’s eligibility, and a hearing is expected in the coming weeks to obtain a final decision.
Following this announcement, Wiseman took to Twitter, saying “Keep the faith, Trust God, Continue on my path, My story isn’t finished.”
Fans on social media reacted with support for Wiseman and their distaste for the NCAA.
“Memphis has your back James. Stay strong, focused and grind out every practice and prove all the haters wrong. You have tons of talent and a bright future ahead of you,” said Twitter user Cole Reeves.
“Smart move to drop the lawsuit, let the @NCAA hand out their penalty and go about your business as though nothing ever happened,” Tweeted Brkcatmcg.
“Memphis won. But, @BigTicket_JW clearly laid down his own best interests so @uofmemphis could win. As fans, we need to be celebrating that young man. He deserves to have his sacrifice and anguish highlighted. Thank you @BigTicket_JW. All the best,” Marvin White Tweeted.
“Declare for the draft tmm @BigTicket_JW,” said Twitter user Suavo_Luv.
“The entire #CollegeBasketball family is rooting for you! #NCAAsucks #ridiculous,” RCJH Tweeted.
“In a world where everyone is standing up to/ calling out bullies…who will stand up to the @NCAA to stop the tyranny. #disbandtheNCAA. This whole situation is FUBAR #MEMPHIS #FreeJamesWiseman,” Twitter user Grizz4Life said.
