Sports
Wetzel: Is this the last straw for NCAA enforcement?
Whatever remaining power the NCAA still has to enforce whatever rules are remaining might be in serious trouble after a ruling last week in an Alabama state court.
Judge Andrew J. Hairston of the circuit court of DeKalb County, Alabama, on Monday granted a preliminary injunction to former Tennessee football coach Jeremy Pruitt that for now prohibits the NCAA’s enforcement of a six-year “show cause” penalty. The NCAA sanction effectively made Pruitt unemployable in college athletics for that time period.
Pruitt coached the Vols from 2018 to ’20, but he was fired after the school uncovered recruiting violations. In 2023, the NCAA’s committee on infractions [COI] concluded the program committed 18 Level I violations, mostly related to paying prospects and their families (back when this was illegal).
The NCAA summarily ruled that Pruitt was directly involved, leading to his individual punishment in addition to the program receiving a reduction of 28 scholarships and a $9 million fine. Pruitt spent one year with the New York Giants before becoming a teacher and coach at Plainview High School in Alabama.
The show cause is one of the few NCAA punishments that still have teeth; essentially a banishment from college athletics that, at least theoretically, deters coaches and administrators from violating various rules.
College sports, like any sports entity, needs an effective rule enforcement process.
The significance of the Pruitt injunction is that it wasn’t based on the merits of Pruitt’s claim of innocence (which, if true, would limit the NCAA’s scope to one case) but rather the unfairness of a process that, Judge Hairston ruled, made it impossible for Pruitt to even mount a defense.
“Pruitt has a reasonable likelihood of proving that, had he been given the opportunity for an objective, impartial, fact-finding process, the COI would have imposed a less-restrictive punishment, if one at all,” the order reads.
Hairston noted, for example, that the NCAA system doesn’t allow for basic legal abilities, such as the right to cross-examine witnesses or compel records from third parties.
He additionally wrote that the COI, by accepting Tennessee’s admission of guilt, didn’t properly consider Pruitt’s case, which Hairston said includes an “overwhelming degree of conflicting and incomplete statements” from witnesses that could have helped him.
Tennessee was also financially incentivized to deem Pruitt guilty because it allowed a “for cause” firing of a coach who was just 16-19 in three seasons. While the NCAA’s $9 million fine was significant, it spared the school from paying Pruitt a $12.7 million buyout for a performance-based firing.
“So UT saved $3.7 million and the NCAA got $9 million,” said David Holt, of the Loftin Holt Hill & Hargett law firm out of Huntsville, Alabama, which represented Pruitt.
That deal set the tone, the court said, for how Pruitt could fight the charges.
“That the COI accepted UT’s version of the events, disallowed Pruitt the opportunity to adequately present and/or defend his case, and levied disproportionate penalties against Pruitt,” Hairston wrote. “… A reasonable-minded juror could conclude that the COI’s infractions process was procedurally and substantively deficient.”
Pruitt and the NCAA were ordered into mediation, for now. The NCAA did not respond to a request for comment.
This is a single preliminary injunction in a single case in a single state circuit court, not a federal one. The decision is open to appeal. Yet longtime NCAA observers believe it could serve as the groundwork for anyone looking to challenge any NCAA penalty, including show causes.
“This can become an existential threat to the enforcement system,” said Arkansas-based lawyer Tom Mars, who has a long history of trying college sports-related cases but wasn’t involved in this one.
Said Mars: “The rules on their face are inconsistent with how justice is administered everywhere else in the United States.”
NCAA enforcement was already struggling with penalties written for a bygone era in the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics.
What were once bedrock sanctions such as scholarship reductions are largely moot and easily worked around in an era where direct revenue-sharing or NIL deals can allow for a star player to just pay his own tuition as a “walk-on,” for example.
The show cause was still effective at keeping rule-breaking coaches out of the college game. Now, perhaps, even that is at risk due to the NCAA’s own infractions structure.
“The system is not designed to reach the truth or give the accused due process,” said Brantley Loftin III, another of Pruitt’s attorneys.
Considering the NCAA’s abysmal legal record of late, it’s not hard to see how this might snowball.
It was, after all, a single federal court ruling out of West Virginia in 2023 that prohibited the NCAA from forcing transfers from sitting out a year, causing the transfer portal to spin and alter how teams are built.
And it was a single federal court ruling out of Tennessee in 2024 that prohibited the NCAA from punishing any athlete or booster from making a NIL deal during the recruiting process, leading to the current “pay for play” era. And then another in 2024 that stopped the NCAA from counting junior college seasons against eligibility, clearing the way for Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, among others, to continue playing.
All of the above were once unthinkable developments.
“We’ve all seen the sea change that has been ongoing the last five years,” Holt said. “[The enforcement process] is the next domino set to fall.”
The times keep changing; the NCAA might have been caught flat-footed again.
Sports
Jacob Fatu chooses to acknowledge violence, AAA Mega Championship makes WWE history and more from Raw
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Roman Reigns wanted Jacob Fatu in the ring for an “acknowledgement ceremony” on “Monday Night Raw,” despite concerns from general manager Adam Pearce and Jimmy Uso.
Reigns learned the hard way of the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Despite the contract signing that Fatu would have to “acknowledge” Reigns after he lost the World Heavyweight Championship, Fatu wouldn’t have any of that.
Instead, he chose violence. He ignored Jey Uso’s pleas to think about what he was doing. Fatu, instead, headbutted Uso multiple times.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Jacob Fatu holds up the World Heavyweight Champion belt during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Sydney Yonker/WWE)
“What you think? You want me to come and acknowledge you, Roman?” Fatu said. “Hell no! You’re going to beat that acknowledgement out of me.”
Fatu had no time for anyone trying to talk him off the ledge. He was truly all gas and no brakes. He got to the ring, stared down Reigns and the two went to work. The two exchanged blows in the ring and it looked like Reigns was going to gain the advantage. He hit Fatu with a chair multiple times, trying to make Fatu acknowledge him.
But the “Samoan Werewolf” was undeterred. Reigns went for a spear but was met by a superkick and the Tongan death grip. It was all downhill for the “Tribal Chief.” He taunted Reigns as he continued his beating.
He then powerbombed Reigns through the announce table. The assault didn’t stop there. He hit Reigns with another Tongan death grip as officials from the back tried to keep him at bay.
Jacob Fatu takes out Jimmy Uso, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso all at once during WWE RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)
Before he walked to the back, he saw the Usos tending to Reigns. He ran back at full speed and sent all three men through the barricade.
Seth Rollins tries to thaw icy relationship with Street Profits
Seth Rollins helped Street Profits win in six-man tag match against The Vision as he took out Bron Breakker from the outside. Angelo Dawkins rolled up Austin Theory to get the win.
Rollins came into the ring to help Dawkins up. But as Breakker got back into the ring and lined up for a spear, Rollins stepped aside making Dawkins take the damage. Montez Ford came back into the ring and wondered what Rollins was going out there in the first place.
Rollins, Ford and Dawkins talked in the back.
“If you boys are serious about getting the tag titles off The Vision, then it’s time we talked,” Rollins said, addressing Dawkins and Ford backstage.
Ford said there was no “we” in the conversation, while Dawkins wanted to hear out Rollins.
Rollins said he was “wrong” to tell the Street Profits that all parties should keep their business to themselves.
“You know, Seth, you’re every single thing they say about you,” Ford said. “Everybody. The greatest in our generation. A revolutionary. But you know what they also say? You’re not to be trusted. We don’t need your a– to win the tag team championship. Bet on that.”
The Street Profits will be aiming for tag team gold in two weeks when they take on Logan Paul and Theory.
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AAA Mega Championship defended on Raw
Dominik Mysterio makes his entrance during RAW at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 11, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE)
The AAA Mega Championship is the most prestigious title in Lucha Libre Worldwide (AAA) and possibly across all of Lucha Libre depending on who you ask. The title was defended for the first time on WWE programming on Monday night.
Dominik Mysterio put the belt on the line against Original El Grande Americano. Mysterio took advantage of Original El Grande Americano getting distracted by El Grande Americano. He hit the 619 and a frog splash to pick up the win.
The title defense came on the heels of WWE announcing a two-night Triplemania event for September. It will be the first time AAA’s premiere event will be ran over the course of two nights.
Passing of the torch
IYO SKY and Asuka embrace during WWE Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla., on May 9, 2026. (Michael Owens/WWE via Getty Images)
Iyo Sky defeated her mentor Asuka in an emotional match at Backlash over the weekend, and on Monday night, Asuka said “goodbye.”
Asuka met with Sky backstage before the “Genius of the Sky’s” match against Sol Ruca. She said she was looking for someone to take over as leader and found it in Sky.
“I was looking for someone to take over my passion. Finally, you’ve become the person. I’m so glad it was you,” Asuka said. “I’m proud of you.”
Sky responded, “Even if we fight, we’ll always be family. Goodbye, Asuka-san.”
Sky later defeated Ruca in an exhilarating singles match.
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Raw match results
- Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford and Joe Hendry def. Austin Theory, Logan Paul and Bron Breakker.
- Je’Von Evans def. Rusev.
- Iyo Sky def. Sol Ruca.
- Oba Femi def. Angel and Berto as part of Oba’s Open Challenge.
- Dominik Mysterio def. Original El Grande Americano to retain AAA Mega Championship.
Sports
Florida judge rules prosecutors can access Tiger Woods’ prescription drug history after DUI arrest: report
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A Florida judge reportedly ruled that prosecutors will have access to Tiger Woods‘ recent prescription drug history.
An April court filing showed that a subpoena was to be issued for Woods’ prescription drug records following his DUI arrest in March, but his attorneys fought it. But according to the TC Palm, the records will be released to prosecutors only and not made available to the public.
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Tiger Woods was handcuffed after a sobriety test. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after taking field sobriety tests following a two-vehicle crash in which his Range Rover turned onto its driver’s side.
The aforementioned court filing showed that a subpoena will be issued to “seek copies of any and all prescription medication on file” for Woods from Jan. 1 through March 27, the date of his car crash and arrest.
Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, wrote in a motion that the subpoena goes against Woods’ constitutional rights to privacy, requesting Tuesday’s hearing to determine whether prosecutors should be allowed to obtain the records.
Woods told law enforcement that “I take a few” prescription medications amid seven back surgeries and “over 20 operations” on his leg. In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.
Tiger Woods went through several exercises before getting handcuffed. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
USGA SHARES TIGER WOODS STATUS UPDATE WITH US OPEN FAST APPROACHING
He also mentioned that his ankle was fused, and he walks with a limp due to the injuries. Due to the nature of his injuries, authorities made him do a field sobriety test while sitting down. He blew “triple-zeroes,” authorities said, but “lethargic” movements warranted exercises anyway.
Woods participated in four exercises before a deputy placed him in handcuffs. The deputy stated she believed Woods was under an “unknown substance.”
Deputies found two white pills on Woods, which were later identified as hydrocodone, an opioid used to treat pain.
Woods has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge but announced several days after the wreck he would “seek treatment.” At the scene of the crash, he said he was “hoping to” play in the Masters, but his treatment put his eventual return to the course on hold.
Tiger Woods sits in the back of a cop car after getting arrested on March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
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Woods was granted permission on April 1 to travel out of the country “to enter into comprehensive inpatient treatment.”
Woods was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, refusal to submit to testing and careless driving. He pleaded not guilty and waived his arraignment, demanding a trial with a jury.
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It’s NBA playoff time.
Let’s take a look at the latest NBA title futures at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 12.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
NBA Finals winner 2025-26 season
Oklahoma City Thunder: -175 (bet $10 to win $15.71 total)
San Antonio Spurs: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
New York Knicks: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Detroit Pistons: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Cleveland Cavaliers: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Minnesota Timberwolves: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Here is what to know about the NBA title oddsboard:
West Update: The two teams favored to win the title both reside in the Western Conference: OKC and San Antonio. The Thunder swept the Suns in Round 1 and swept the Lakers in Round 2, while the Spurs gave up just a single game to Portland in the first round and are tied 2-2 with Minnesota in the second round. While the Thunder pulled off a second straight sweep, the Spurs are in a dogfight.
East Update: The Knicks have become the class of the conference, having won seven consecutive playoff games. They finished off a sweep of Philly in the second round, and apparently can’t be stopped. As for the East’s top seed, the Pistons, they are tied with the Cavs 2-2. Neither team has been able to get a win in the others’ home arena in that series.
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