Alex Afari Jr. returned to Lexington and was ready to suit up and play another year for Kentucky football. That didn't last long though as a court case was thrown out, and it resulted in Afari becoming ineligible. But like so many other athletes Afari turned to another court to get a TRO (temporary restraining order), and he was successful, per Matt Jones. What does that really mean, though?
In short, a temporary restraining order (TRO) is a short-term emergency court order that prevents a person or group from taking a specific action until a formal hearing can take place later on. In this case, it means the NCAA or SEC can't prevent Afari from playing until a formal hearing can take place later on in the year.
It does get dicey, though, because it could mean Afari is deeply involved and a high-impact player for a good portion of the year, and then have the rug pulled out from under him. And make no mistake, Afari is definitely going to make an impact.
Afari's experience is invaluable for Kentucky football
Afari amassed over 110 solo tackles and over 60 total tackles in both of the last two years. Last year, he started every game he was available; he missed two games due to injury. That kind of experience in a league as punishing as the SEC is important.
He can talk to all the new players about what the battle is like late in the 4th quarter of a road game when an important play is needed.
Not to mention that, with 6 career sacks, he can make those plays. At 6'2 and 220 pounds, Afari is a great athlete in space and has shown the ability to make tackles in the open field. If Jay Bateman intends to pressure like he is used to, Afari's ability to defend the pass is going to be important.
Afari is back for now, and the wild west of court cases will continue. We will update as news becomes available, but for the time being, Will Stein and Jay Bateman wouldn't ask for a better piece to fold back into the current team.
The current state of college football gives and takes away, but if Kentucky has to fall on one side of th debate, all of the Big Blue Nation would much rather embrace a positive outcome like this one than be left out entirely.
Add us as a preferred source on Google