The Bewley Twins Take Legal Action Against NCAA for Denying Basketball Opportunity

In a federal court, twin brothers Matt and Ryan Bewley have taken legal action against the NCAA after being denied permission to play basketball for Chicago State University. The reason behind their lawsuit is their claim of being deprived of the income generated from their name, image, and likeness while they were part of the Overtime Elite Academy. The NCAA is being accused of breaking its own policies regarding NIL (name, image, likeness), the Illinois Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act, and federal antitrust laws. The Bewley twins are requesting a temporary restraining order and injunction to enable them to compete for Chicago State. Although the NCAA modified its regulations in July 2021 to allow athletes to earn money through their NIL, the Bewley twins were rendered ineligible due to the salary they received from Overtime Elite Academy. Their argument revolves around their salary being considered scholarship and NIL compensation, rather than a regular salary as stated in their contract. Overtime Elite Academy offers professional opportunities to basketball players aspiring to compete at a higher level. During their first season, the Bewley twins were guaranteed a minimum salary of $100,000. As a scholarship option was introduced in the subsequent season, they were paid a monthly sum of at least $33,333 while representing Overtime Elite. The lawsuit asserts that the NCAA’s judgment on what qualifies as legitimate and essential expenses is arbitrary, thus preventing athletes from receiving fair compensation. Additionally, the lawyers have accused the NCAA of inconsistent enforcement, highlighting that two former Overtime Elite players were deemed eligible by the NCAA, whereas the Bewley twins were not. Prior to joining Overtime Elite, the Bewley twins held esteemed rankings as prospects, and they are now resorting to legal measures to regain their eligibility to play for Chicago State University.