A Mecklenburg County judge has dismissed a lawsuit in which two former University of North Carolina athletes alleged the school failed to provide them and other athletes a quality education by directing them toward sham classes.

Superior Court Judge Richard Ervin cited arguments by attorneys representing UNC that said both the statute of limitations and sovereign immunity prevented former football player James Arnold and former basketball player Leah Metcalf from pursuing their case.

Cyrus Mehri, an attorney for the athletes, said he would take the case next to the N.C. Court of Appeals. He said the case not only impacts UNC athletes, but college athletes nationwide.

UNC spokesman Rick White said the school was pleased with Ervin’s decision. He said the school’s focus is a world-class education for everyone.