SPOKANE, Wash – The future of a college basketball player hoping to play his final season with Gonzaga is now back in the hands of a Spokane County judge.
A judge in Spokane denied the NCAA’s request to move the case to federal court.
Tyon Grant-Foster wants the court to intervene, as the NCAA has denied his transfer waiver.
Grant-Foster transferred to Gonzaga this season after stints at Grand Canyon University, DePaul, Kansas and Indian Hills Community College.
The NCAA says players can only play four seasons in five years, but Grant-Foster argues some of that eligibility doesn’t count because of the COVID year and the way the organization has counted junior college play.
He was also sidelined for two seasons because of a heart condition.
Grant-Foster’s attorneys and Gonzaga Coach Mark Few believe his case qualifies as an exceptional circumstance.
A Spokane County judge was scheduled to hear arguments this week, as Grant-Foster is asking for an injunction that would allow him to play.
The NCAA filed a motion in federal court, saying the matter should be decided there.
On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Tom Rice denied that request saying federal court does not have jurisdiction.
That means it goes back to Spokane County Superior Court. A hearing is scheduled for Monday at 2:30.
Gonzaga plays an exhibition game against Western Oregon at 6:00 that night.
Gonzaga and Grant-Foster want the matter decided quickly, not only because the season is getting underway, but because Grant-Foster’s scholarship needs to be in place by October 28th.
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