Greg Sankey calls for ‘defined period of eligibility’ after NCAA discusses age-based concept

© Brett Patzke-USA TODAY Sports

While the NCAA Division I Cabinet did not take any action earlier this month, it discussed a concept regarding age-based eligibility. It would give athletes a five-year window of eligibility following their high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.

The Cabinet didn’t formally take a position on the eligibility concept, though the NCAA confirmed the discussion took place. Speaking with reporters Wednesday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey reiterated his stance on the need for more “defined” eligibility rules.

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Sankey specifically pointed to the NCAA’s waiver process and court rulings for how they factor into the eligibility discussion. He said athletes should not be in school for at least six or seven years as he made the case for stronger rules.

“We need to have a defined period of eligibility,” Sankey said, via Yahoo! Sports’ Ross Dellenger. “This six, seven, eight and nine-year stuff shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s waiver-driven by the NCAA – which I think started this – or people running to courts.”

The age-based, five-year eligibility concept comes on the heels of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last month. He called on the NCAA to clarify its rules by Aug. 1 and include “age-based eligibility limits to promote fairness, consistency, safety, and opportunities for student-athletes.” When he first mentioned the possibility of an executive order, Trump said he expected to go to court.