SEC to Follow Court Order Allowing Teams to Sign Former NFL Players with Extra Eligibility
The SEC announced it will comply with a court ruling that prevents sanctions against schools that sign former NFL athletes who have been granted a fifth year of eligibility by the courts.
The Southeastern Conference said it will adhere to a judicial order that blocks any penalties for member schools that sign former NFL players who have secured a fifth year of eligibility through the courts. The ruling enables Louisiana State University and other SEC schools to add players who were released by professional teams.
The decision follows legal challenges over whether the NCAA’s eligibility extension should apply retroactively to athletes who left college for the pros before the policy was adopted. Lawmakers are reportedly considering legislation known as the Protect College Sports Act, which would create an antitrust exemption for college athletics and address related financial concerns.
"We are committed to complying with the court's directive and ensuring our member institutions can operate within the bounds of the law," an SEC spokesperson said.