Missouri guard CJ Gunn has been ruled ineligible by the SEC, head coach Dennis Gates announced Monday. The decision comes less than two days before the Tigers' season opener against Cleveland State.
Gunn was banned after receiving $524 for playing three games in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in May. Under SEC rules passed this summer, any basketball or football player who signs a professional contract after enrolling in college is ineligible to compete. Gunn, a four-year player who spent the past two seasons at DePaul, must repay the $524 but remains ineligible. No appeal is available.
The ruling also means Gunn cannot enter the G League draft, which took place in October, because the SEC's decision was finalized too late. The SEC's stance mirrors its handling of a similar case involving RJ Luis at LSU, reinforcing the new post-enrollment rule.
In addition, projected starting center Jaylen Carey has been indefinitely suspended for a team violation. Gates said the violation does not jeopardize Carey's standing with the team, and the suspension is not expected to be long, though it is unclear if he will return for Friday's game against Saint Louis.
