SEC Bans Missouri Guard CJ Gunn Over $524 Canadian League Payout
The ruling arrived two days before the Tigers' season opener, leaving the program without a key depth guard and forcing a roster scramble.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
The Southeastern Conference finalized a new rule this summer that prohibits student-athletes from signing professional contracts after enrolling in college. On Monday, the league office applied that rule to Missouri guard CJ Gunn, rendering him ineligible to play in the SEC.
Coach Dennis Gates received the notification less than 48 hours before the Tigers opened their season against Cleveland State on Tuesday. Gunn signed a professional contract to play three games for a team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in May. He received $524 for that work. Under the SEC's new guidelines, any player who signs a pro contract and receives less than $600 must repay the amount to restore eligibility. Gunn has paid the sum back, but the conference still ruled him out for this season.
Gates stated that no appeal is currently being considered. The deadline for Missouri to submit its formal roster to the league was Monday evening, cementing Gunn's absence. The guard had spent his previous two seasons at DePaul before transferring to Missouri. He was expected to serve as a depth option for a team aiming for a top-25 ranking, though he was not projected as a starter.
The SEC's decision mirrors its handling of RJ Luis at LSU, who also faced ineligibility due to post-enrollment professional status. The conference appears to be strictly enforcing its new policy to prevent future exceptions. Allowing Gunn to play could have encouraged LSU to pursue similar rulings for other players, potentially leading to further legal disputes.
Gunn also missed the October G League draft. The conference finalized his status too late for him to be considered for a professional development league contract. This adds a second layer of impact to his ineligibility, as he now returns to school without a professional safety net.
Missouri faces another roster issue beyond Gunn. Projected starting center Jaylen Carey is indefinitely suspended following a violation. Gates indicated that the suspension is not expected to be long and that Carey will retain his position on the team. It remains unclear if Carey will be available for the Tigers' highly anticipated matchup against Saint Louis on Friday.
