Memphis Decides Against Legal Action After NCAA Denies Nemanja Popović's Six-Game Appeal

The NCAA formally rejected Memphis' appeal of Nemanja Popović's six-game withholding period, and the program is not expected to pursue legal action despite earlier hints of a fight.

The decision settles a tense waiting game for the Tigers just as their regular season begins.

Memphis announced the governing body's ruling on Nov. 2, right before tipping off against Iowa State.

The Tigers traveled to the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to open the campaign against a ranked Cyclones squad.

Yet they had to do so knowing their starting frontcourt rotation would look very different for the opening month.

THE RULING AND THE APPEAL

Popović is a 24-year-old center from Serbia who stands 6-foot-9.

His collegiate journey was initially greenlit late in the preseason.

On Oct. 26, the NCAA officially granted Popović two seasons of eligibility to play college basketball.

That clearance, however, came with a significant catch.

Due to previous international competition, the NCAA mandated that Popović must sit out the first six games of the regular season.

The penalty stemmed specifically from professional overseas contests played during the 2022-23 season.

Popović originally launched his overseas professional career back in 2019.

Memphis immediately submitted an appeal in hopes of overturning the withholding period or reducing its length.

The NCAA reviewed the appeal but ultimately denied the request, keeping the full six-game suspension intact.

Following the denial, the university released a statement addressing the final outcome.

"While we are disappointed in the decision, we appreciate the work of our Memphis compliance staff, whose efforts helped secure two seasons of eligibility for Popović," the school stated.

HINTS OF A FIGHT FADE

Only days before the ruling arrived, Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway suggested the program might explore drastic measures.

Hardaway spoke openly to reporters on Oct. 30 about exploring every possible avenue if the appeal failed.

"I think we will have other options if the appeal isn't granted to keep fighting it until we can't fight it anymore," Hardaway said.

"We hope the appeal goes through, but yeah, we're looking for other options as well," the head coach added.

Hardaway hinted that legal action could be on the table if the NCAA refused to budge.

Taking the NCAA to court has become an increasingly popular tactic across college athletics in recent years.

Athletes and programs have frequently sought temporary restraining orders to halt withholding mandates and eligibility denials.

However, Memphis will not be taking that route in this instance.

Sources familiar with the situation later indicated to Bluff City Media that Memphis is not expected to pursue legal action.

Instead, the program will accept the ruling and serve the six-game withholding process.

WHAT POPOVIĆ BRINGS TO MEMPHIS

The loss of Popović leaves an immediate void on the floor for the Tigers.

Throughout the preseason, the Serbian big man showed signs of being a major centerpiece for Hardaway's system.

Popović participated in the team's closed scrimmage against Jacksonville State.

He then made an even stronger impression during exhibition matchups against Mississippi State and No. 12 Arkansas.

Across those exhibition contests, Popović posted averages of 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

His best individual display came on the road against Arkansas.

Popović racked up 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in that exhibition contest.

Both numbers led the Tigers, despite Popović exiting the contest with 12:40 remaining due to a back injury.

Beyond raw statistics, his style of play provided Memphis with unique offensive versatility.

Popović brings an exceptionally high basketball IQ to the low post.

He consistently demonstrated an ability to beat double teams and create open looks for teammates.

Few traditional college post players possess his vision or passing precision from the block.

Now, Memphis must run its early-season offense without that interior focal point.

A BRUTAL EARLY-SEASON SLATE

The timing of the six-game ban presents a major obstacle for the Tigers' postseason aspirations.

The schedule Popović will miss is packed with quality opponents.

Memphis opened the slate in Sioux Falls against Iowa State.

The Cyclones entered the matchup ranked inside the top 20 nationally.

Following the opener, Popović will sit out Memphis' home clash against VCU on Nov. 7.

He will also miss a tough road trip to face No. 24 Vanderbilt on Nov. 10.

The gauntlet continues with a marquee home showdown against No. 11 Louisville on Nov. 15.

Popović will then watch from the sideline when Memphis hosts Evansville on Nov. 22.

The final game of his suspension will occur on Nov. 25 against Penn State at the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Four of the six teams on this stretch were either ranked or received votes in the preseason AP Top 25 poll.

That means Memphis must navigate several prime resume-building opportunities shorthanded.

Results in November often determine seeding and at-large standing come March.

Fortunately for Popović and the Tigers, the withholding period does not ban him from the team entirely.

Popović is officially permitted to travel and practice with Memphis while serving the suspension.

That daily involvement will allow him to stay conditioned and connected to team schemes.

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