WVU G RaeQuan Battle Testifies in TRO Hearing vs. NCAA

WVU G RaeQuan Battle took the stand in the TRO hearing vs. the NCAA on Wednesday. Battle testified as a witness for about 37 minutes.

The TRO hearing began at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Judge John P. Bailey listened to both RaeQuan Battle’s attorney while the NCAA’s attorney defended his case. Battle brought up points on why he picked West Virginia as well as his career aspirations. Battle was then questioned about his transfer and waiver situation.

NCAA’s attorney asked Battle various questions about why he transferred from Montana State. Battle answered that he only transferred because of head coach Danny Sprinkle leaving MSU for Utah State. Battle adds that it wasn’t because of his 27-point performance against Kansas State in the NCAA Tournament or his potential NIL earnings.

NCAA’s attorney then went on to ask Battle about transfer portal statistics and NIL earnings. Battle mentioned that he only gets a certain percentage of his NIL while he’s ineligible. Battle was asked why he just doesn’t sit out this season if he’s already missed nine games.

WVU basketball player RaeQuan Battle, whose transfer waiver was denied, is testifying in court. He just compared his “NIL contract” at WVU to an employment contract and says the NCAA is preventing him from accessing his full payment.

“I’m not going to get what I signed for.”

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 13, 2023

Battle responses clear and eloquent.

Attorney for NCAA sounds arrogant and dismissive.

“Wouldn’t it be in your best interest to just stop and play next year since you’ve already missed 9 games?”

Yah that’s not a good legal argument to make dude. https://t.co/enqnWjVFTM

— JUCOadvocate – Brandon Goble (@JUCOadvocate) December 13, 2023

Joined late, but finally got into the Ohio v. NCAA (consolidated with Battle v. NCAA) hearing.

RaeQuan Battle is testifying right now, and it's super compelling (IMO).

— Sam C. Ehrlich (@samcehrlich) December 13, 2023

RaeQuan Battle took the stand for about 37 minutes

Battle was cross examined by the NCAA attorney, who really questioned him about his NIL earnings. NCAA attorney also questioned why Battle just doesn't sit out if he's already missed games.

— Ethan Bock (@ethanbock_) December 13, 2023

Battle has transferred multiple times as an undergraduate student-athlete and is not a grad transfer after his summer session. The NCAA recently has started to crack down on waivers from transfers, no matter the situation. Battle transferred from Montana State this April after averaging 17.7 points on 47% shooting for the Bobcats. Battle led Montana State to the NCAA Tournament, giving 3-seed Kansas State a game in the first round. Battle and the Bobcats fell short but the current Mountaineer scored a game-high 27 points.

The states of Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia are involved in a multistate lawsuit against the NCAA, questioning their transfer eligibility rules.

WV Sports Now will continue to provide updates on the TRO hearings.