UNC Field Hockey 2026-2027

tmatheny said:

I struggle to understand the legal jargon (btw this whole court/NCAA drama would be an outstanding class on law and how it works) but does this mean they will have a final answer soon? Also can Cameron Fens not join since he is attached to the Tenn lawsuit?

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NAL, but I had read previously in other reporting that individual plaintiffs could not participate in multiple class action lawsuits in different courts. So I believe that means Fens is tied to the TN case only, unless the Wisne case or some other makes a ruling that affects all athletes nationally.

@BenSherman’s IC article that @TommyAshley referenced indicates that the Indiana case our athletes just joined has this thursday as a final deadline for additional arguments from the parties involved. That should mean the judge could issue a final ruling or create a new TPO at anytime thereafter.

of course the NCAA is highly likely to appeal any unfavorable ruling immediately. that could mean an appeals court could way in to reverse a decision in the future.

the IC article had this quote: “All four players, along with Fens, have been eligible to practice with their teams but cannot play in games unless and until a court rules in their favor. Inside Carolina has confirmed that both Verhoff and Fens have been practicing, but there’s been no official word from the field hockey program. “

while it is accurate to say we have no confirmation that these three are fully practicing (Heck, Bruning, Mendez) we do know they are at least at practice as grad assistants and attending games with the team on the sideline (I can see them on broadcasts.) So in my opinion, whether they are “practicing” or not is a distinction without a difference.

delving into further speculation, I think it may be telling that joining this case specifically at such a late date may be telling. My guess is that UNC-related legal council has advised these Tar Heels that this particular case has the best chance of a favorable outcome. Though there could be excluded from some cases due to some eligibility factor for that class of plaintiffs?