A federal jury found in the NCAA’s favor late last week in a 1997 lawsuit filed by a prospective student-athlete who was declared ineligible because he did not meet core-course requirements.

The New Jersey prospect, Michael Bowers (now deceased), claimed in the suit to have a learning disability that prevented him from meeting the academic standards set forth by the Association, and the Association’s failure to grant him a waiver was discrimination.

The jury unanimously found that Bowers did not have a disability as defined in the federal Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal funds. The jury also decided that the NCAA was not a “place of public accommodation” as required for the New Jersey law against discrimination to apply. New Jersey defines a place of public accommodation as an entity that offers goods, services or facilities to the general public.

NCAA Vice President for Membership Services Kevin Lennon and Managing Director of Finance and Operations Keith Martin both testified during the 12-day trial, which concluded July 25.