Auburn's Rubštavičius sues NCAA over eligibility

Auburn signee Mantas Rubštavičius, a 24-year-old Lithuanian wing who has played professionally since 2018, is seeking an emergency court order to play for the Tigers in the 2026-27 season after the NCAA denied Auburn’s eligibility appeals, with the final denial coming Sept. 29. His lawsuit challenges NCAA guidance for reviewing overseas players’ professional experience, arguing the guidelines were issued after he committed to Auburn and that the NCAA inconsistently counted his prior seasons and treated him differently from other former professionals. He had signed financial-aid and revenue-sharing agreements, left his European club and taken on a reported €300,000 buyout obligation. Auburn supports his right to seek clarity in court but says the SEC rule on former professionals does not apply to his alleged circumstances. A hearing on his request is scheduled for Oct. 16, shortly before the college season begins.