Missouri guard CJ Gunn has been ruled ineligible by the SEC just days before the team’s opening game. Tigers coach Dennis Gates shared the update on Monday, less than 48 hours before Missouri tips off its season Tuesday night against Cleveland State.
SEC Ruling on CJ Gunn
The league office banned Gunn following a weeks-long dispute over $524 he received for playing three games in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in May. According to the letter of an SEC rule passed over the summer, basketball and football players cannot return to play in the conference if they signed a professional contract after enrolling in college.
Gunn had to pay back the $600 threshold, but because he signed a pro contract, the SEC upheld his ineligibility. The decision was finalized as Missouri faced a Monday evening deadline to submit its official roster to the SEC. Gates confirmed that no appeal is currently available.
The late ruling also leaves Gunn unable to enter the G League draft, which took place in October. The SEC’s enforcement of the post-enrollment status mirrored a similar situation involving RJ Luis at LSU. While Gunn was not projected to start for Missouri, he was expected to provide valuable depth for a squad holding Top 25 aspirations.
By enforcing the rule strictly on Gunn, the conference reinforced its position to prevent any challenges, especially regarding potential legal battles with LSU. Granting an exception to Gunn could have prompted LSU to push for the same with Luis.
Jaylen Carey Suspension
In addition to Gunn’s absence, Missouri faces another roster challenge with projected starting big man Jaylen Carey facing an indefinite suspension. Gates stated that Carey’s violation will not jeopardize his standing with the program.
The absence is not anticipated to last long, though it remains uncertain if Carey will be reinstated in time for Friday’s highly anticipated matchup against Saint Louis.
