Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs voiced his support for the State of Tennessee and the Commonwealth of Virginia in their legal fight against the NCAA in a letter that was sent to NCAA President Charlie Baker on Feb. 2, 2024.
Jacobs posted the letter to social media on Monday afternoon with a declaration that he stands with University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman.
In his letter, Jacobs pointed to the positive impact that the University has had on the community while showing his support for Plowman and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s statements last week.
“Knox County is proud to have UT as a fixture in our community,” Jacobs penned in his letter to President Charlie Baker. “The University has always acted with integrity and honesty and is dedicated to ensuring that its student-athletes are treated fairly and have the best possible experience on and off the field. I understand that the NCAA has a responsibility to uphold all rules and regulations of college athletics, but I also believe the University has taken all necessary steps to comply with these regulations.”
I stand with @DondePlowman. My letter to the @NCAA concerning @UTKnoxville's alleged NIL violations. https://t.co/39GCrJFRuy pic.twitter.com/u6yJAQs8VT
— Glenn Jacobs (@GlennJacobsTN) February 5, 2024
More from RTI: Why Tuesday Is An Important Day For The State Of Tennessee’s Lawsuit Against The NCAA
Jacobs is one of several prominent state politicians who have voiced their support for Tennessee in their fight against the NCAA including Governor Bill Lee, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and others.
Attorney General Skrmetti filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Wednesday, Jan. 31. The NCAA filed a response on Saturday night claiming that Tennessee and Virginia have not provided sufficient evidence for the claims they are making regarding the rules and stability of the NIL and recruiting world. Attorney General Skrmetti responded to the NCAA on Sunday night, saying that the NCAA is trying to protect a world of college athletics that doesn’t exist.
Tuesday will be an important day for the legal saga as a Circuit Court judge will make a decision regarding Tennessee and Virginia’s request for a temporary restraining order that would keep the NCAA from enforcing NIL-related rules until a federal judge hears both sides’ arguments on Feb. 13.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more.
