RJ Luis has taken a significant step toward spending the upcoming season in Baton Rouge. A court cleared him recently to begin practicing and potentially suit up for the LSU Tigers this season.
Luis had brief stints under contract with both the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. However, his unusual attempt to return to college basketball and play for LSU did not sit well with one prominent radio host, who strongly criticized the court’s decision.
Radio Host Slams RJ Luis’ Return to College
Luis initially believed his college basketball career had come to an end when he entered the 2025 NBA Draft. After going undrafted, he signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz before eventually being traded to the Celtics.
However, the court’s decision now allows Luis to resume his college career. The unusual situation prompted a strong reaction from Fox Sports Radio host Aaron Torres.
In a post on X, Torres suggested that athletic departments could now benefit more from favorable legal decisions than traditional leadership.
“The most important to have in your athletic department right now isn’t an AD, football or basketball coach,” Torres said. “It’s a favorable judge in your jurisdiction. This is all so embarrassing.”
The most important to have in your athletic department right now isn’t an AD, football or basketball coach.
It’s a favorable judge in your jurisdiction.
This is all so embarrassing. https://t.co/vx6PkHtosf
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) August 25, 2026
He was later traded to Boston but was waived by the Celtics. Luis then signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Boston’s G League affiliate, but an injury kept him from ever appearing in a game there.
However, NCAA attorney Taylor Askew argued that Luis’ case was different because he voluntarily left college to pursue an NBA career, unlike players in overseas professional development programs.
“I understand Mr. Luis is disappointed that he was not drafted and did not play in the NBA as much as he would have liked,” Askew said. “Actions have consequences. Decisions have outcomes, and they’re not always the right ones or the ones that you want.”
The SEC’s Presidents and Chancellors already released a statement explaining why they believe former professional athletes should not be allowed to return to college sports.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey also submitted an affidavit in the eligibility case involving Luis, describing his attempt to play for the Tigers as creating “a competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness.”
Luis committed to LSU in May before filing a lawsuit to preserve his remaining college eligibility. If he ultimately plays for the Tigers, he would become the latest former professional basketball player to return to the college level.
Before pursuing his professional career, Luis spent three seasons in college basketball. He began at UMass before transferring to St. John’s, where he played two seasons under head coach Rick Pitino.
Luis’ court ruling also comes as several other former college football players have attempted to return to LSU after pursuing opportunities to reach the NFL.
