This seems like a swipe at LSU and Kiffin and Mitchell is collateral damage. I don’t expect UK to fight the conference over this.
One of two things must happen for Mitchell to play for us:
1) Kentucky makes a plea to the conference and Mitchell is allowed to play. If that plea is denied, I don’t think we make an appeal.
2) we are the benefit of an aggressive action from LSU, their players are allowed to play and by extension, Mitchell is eligible.
In my opinion:
Most likely COA
: UK goes the waiver/exception route and argues Mitchell is a unique Class of 2022/TRO case. Batt probably tries to solve it administratively without making this UK vs. the SEC.
Next most likely COA: Mitchell’s legal team goes back to court and asks for clarification or broader relief. UK stays behind the formation and lets the judge clear the obstacle instead of charging it head-on.
Another plausible COA: LSU or somebody else drives the tank through the wall first. If they get a broader ruling, UK just walks through the breach with Mitchell and argues the SEC can’t treat him differently.
Most dangerous COA
: UK says screw it, plays Mitchell, and dares Sankey to impose the penalties. That would be the direct-fire option. Entertaining as hell, but probably the one we want to avoid unless every other route is closed.