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The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is appealing a Louisiana judge's order that permits former NFL players to play for Louisiana State University (LSU). The ruling, issued on Thursday (September 3), allows athletes like Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to join LSU's roster for a fifth year of eligibility under the NCAA's "five for five" model. The SEC argues that the decision unfairly prevents it from enforcing its rules against former professional athletes returning to college sports.
The judge's preliminary injunction prohibits the NCAA and SEC from penalizing any school that signs and plays the 42 athletes who sued for an additional season. Wright and Harris, who were cut from their NFL teams last week, have been practicing with the Tigers and could play when 13th-ranked LSU faces number 23 Clemson on Saturday (September 5) in Baton Rouge.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified that rules against former professionals returning to college have been in place since 1911, and he expressed concerns about fairness for current student-athletes. The SEC plans to contest the ruling, stating its right to establish and enforce rules.
LSU must finalize its roster by Friday (September 4), and the decision to include Wright and Harris could lead to significant consequences, including potential fines and suspensions. LSU's head coach, Lane Kiffin, expressed interest in adding the players to bolster the team's depth.
The case is part of a broader legal battle involving more than 40 former college athletes seeking to return for a fifth year, citing recent NCAA eligibility reforms. The NCAA is currently facing numerous lawsuits from athletes who believe they deserve an extra year of eligibility.