SEC to contest Louisiana restraining order limiting its ability to sanction schools for using former pros

The SEC announced it will contest a temporary restraining order that prevents the conference from enforcing its rule barring schools from playing athletes who have signed professional contracts. In a statement, the league said the order is not a final ruling on the merits and that commissioner Greg Sankey will appear at a hearing in Louisiana on Thursday to defend the association’s right to enforce its policies.

The court order, issued by Judge William Jorden of the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish, adds the SEC and its commissioner as defendants in a lawsuit filed by former professional football players seeking to compete at the collegiate level. The order temporarily blocks the SEC from imposing sanctions that could include coach suspensions, fines up to half of a sport’s annual operating budget, and loss of voting privileges.

If the order remains in effect, Louisiana State University could add up to three former NFL players to its roster this fall, including recently waived defensive end Jack Pyburn, who led the NFL in preseason sacks. Other plaintiffs, such as former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, have indicated they intend to join LSU under head coach Lane Kiffin.

The SEC’s rule, approved unanimously by its presidents, chancellors and athletic directors, was designed to bar athletes who have signed professional contracts, appeared on pro rosters, or declared for a draft without formally withdrawing. LSU abstained from the vote.

Separate legal actions are underway in Dallas, where a county judge issued a 14-day restraining order covering additional plaintiffs and named the NCAA, the SEC and Commissioner Sankey as defendants. The NCAA is also facing numerous lawsuits challenging its eligibility rules.

The SEC said it will continue to comply with the temporary order while it reviews the court’s decision and prepares its legal response.