The NCAA has paused all investigations related to name, image and likeness benefits for athletes, deadening its attack on University of Tennessee .
On Friday, the NCAA President Charlie Baker released a statement acknowledging the impact of the preliminary injunction order suspending NIL rules from the Tennessee and Virginia attorneys general's antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA.
"In response to this latest order, the Division I Board of Directors directed NCAA enforcement staff to pause and not begin investigations involving third-party participation in NIL-related activities," Baker said. "There will be no penalty for conduct that occurs consistent with the injunction while the injunction is in place.
"I agree with this decision, while the progress toward long-term solutions is underway and while we await discussions with the attorneys general. In circumstances that are less than ideal, this at least gives the membership notice of the board's direction related to enforcement."
On Feb. 23, Judge Clifton Corker granted a preliminary injunction in the Eastern District of Tennessee, freezing the NCAA's rules regarding NIL benefits for athletes until the case concludes.
The NCAA had no choice but to honor the ruling.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said when the NCAA investigation into UT came to light, it signaled to him that it was time to sue. That turned out to be an effective weapon.
The question now is whether the NCAA can proceed in any capacity with its investigation into UT.
The crux of the probe had been allegations that UT broke NIL rules. With that off the table, the NCAA might not have much to pursue, and it has not yet issued a notice of allegations.
A few foundational rules regarding NIL are still in effect, which the federal court recognized.
Baker said those policies will still be enforced, including:
Prohibition on pay-for-play, meaning payment for specific athletics performance.
Prohibition on direct institutional payment for NIL.
The quid pro quo requirement.
"I realize pausing NIL-related enforcement while these other bylaws are upheld by the injunction will raise significant questions on campuses," Baker said. "This is precisely why a (Division I) meeting room, not a courtroom, is the best place to change NCAA policy.
"This is the only practical response to the injunction at this time, and we hope the attorneys will work with us to clarify next steps. Additionally, the DI Board, NIL working group and NCAA staff are fully aware of the need to bring about clarity for the role of institutions as soon as possible."
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe .
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: NCAA decides to pause NIL investigations after targeting Tennessee
