LEE COUNTY, Iowa —
Auburn basketball signee Mantas Rubštavičius is asking a Lee County judge to let him play immediately after the NCAA denied his eligibility for the 2026-27 season.
Rubštavičius filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Wednesday in Lee County Circuit Court. He is asking the court to declare him eligible to compete for Auburn and prevent the NCAA from taking action against the university if it allows him to play.
The 24-year-old Lithuanian player argues the NCAA changed its eligibility guidelines after he had already committed to Auburn, signed agreements with the school and left his professional career in Europe.
According to the filing, Auburn began recruiting Rubštavičius in March. He committed to the Tigers and later signed a financial aid agreement and revenue-share agreement with Auburn.
He also left his Lithuanian club and says he became personally responsible for a €300,000 contractual buyout.
The NCAA released new eligibility guidelines on May 8, after those decisions had been made, according to the filing.
Rubštavičius’ attorneys argue the NCAA then applied the new guidelines to him and denied his eligibility based on his previous professional basketball experience and compensation.
The filing also disputes the NCAA’s determination of how many seasons Rubštavičius has used. His attorneys argue his 2022-23 season should be exempt because his club competition was part of Lithuania’s national-team selection process.
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Auburn submitted an appeal on his behalf, but the NCAA denied the request Sept. 11 and denied Auburn’s final appeal Sept. 29, according to the filing.
Rubštavičius argues he could permanently lose his opportunity to play this season if the court does not act quickly. The filing notes the 2026-27 college basketball season begins Wednesday.
Auburn said Wednesday it is aware of the filing and has informed the SEC and NCAA.
“Auburn supports Mantas’ right to seek clarity regarding his eligibility through the legal process,” the school said. “Auburn also continues to fully support the SEC’s recent rule on former professionals returning to college sports, which we do not believe is implicated in any way under Mantas’ alleged facts.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.