THE SIDELINES : Ex-Notre Dame Running Back Sues NCAA Over Eligibility Rule

Former Notre Dame running back Braxston Banks sued the NCAA in federal court today in an effort to receive another year of college eligibility.

Banks claims NCAA rules making him ineligible to play this fall violate federal antitrust law. The rules make a player ineligible after he signs for the NFL draft and retains an agent to represent him.

Banks entered the NFL draft in April but was not selected. He graduated this summer and has applied to return to Notre Dame for a fifth year of studies.

The lawsuit asks the court to block the NCAA from enforcing the rules that prevent Banks from playing. The lawsuit also named Notre Dame and asked that the university be ordered to renew his scholarship.

Banks injured his knee during his sophomore season and decided to sit out the 1989 season, his senior year.

“I understand that, but for decision to enter the NFL draft, I would have been eligible for a final year of football at Notre Dame,” Banks said in an affidavit accompanying the lawsuit.