WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina

McAdoo lawsuit against UNC, NCAA dismissed

Nov 14, 2011

Former University of North Carolina football player Michael McAdoo's lawsuit against the university and the NCAA ended Monday as Judge Orlando Hudson dismissed the case.

In July, McAdoo sued the university and the NCAA to regain his right to play football after being ruled ineligible for the remainder of his college career last November. 

McAdoo sought an injunction to allow him to play for the 2011 season while his case went to court but had his request for an injunction denied July 14.

The defensive end signed as a free-agent with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted in the NFL's supplemental draft on Aug. 17. Superior Court Judge Orlando Hudson ruled that, because he was now playing professionally, McAdoo had reached his ultimate goal, and the case was no longer relevant.

Lawyer Noah Huffstetler argued that, if McAdoo had been allowed to play in his senior season, he would have improved his draft status, would would have led to him being drafted and signing a more lucrative contract.

McAdoo, now on the injured reserve for the Ravens, signed for the league minimum $270,000 this season.

Huffstetler says it's unclear whether McAdoo will appeal, but the decision is up to his client.

McAdoo was one of seven players forced to sit out all of last season while the NCAA investigated the Tar Heel football program. The NCAA ruled McAdoo ineligible for receiving improper assistance from tutor Jennifer Wiley on multiple assignments across several academic terms. 

The Honor Court decided to suspend him from school for the 2011 spring semester but allowed him to re-enroll in the summer and return to the football team this fall.

The NCAA's ruling was based on the facts of the case that extended beyond the Honor Court.

• Reporter: Bruce Mildwurf
• Web Editor: Erin Summers