SEC officials consider sanctions against LSU over plan to add former pros
SEC university leaders are debating possible penalties, including boycott, probation or expulsion, in response to LSU's intent to roster former professional athletes after a Louisiana court ruling expanded player eligibility.
University presidents and general counsels from 15 SEC schools, excluding LSU, are discussing a range of actions to address the Tigers' plan to sign former professional football players. The talks, described as membership-led rather than league-directed, include the possibility of refusing to schedule games against LSU, imposing probation, or even expelling the school from the conference.
The discussions follow a Louisiana state court decision that granted more than 40 athletes a fifth year of eligibility, allowing those who had signed professional contracts to return to college. A Baton Rouge judge also barred the SEC from enforcing its own eligibility rules, prompting LSU to add several ex-pros to its roster, a move that some conference members say violates SEC bylaws.
"Tensions are high," said one university executive. "It is fair to say we are discussing multiple options, including that. Enough is enough. This is ridiculous," added another league stakeholder.
SEC officials have retained a New Orleans law firm to challenge the court order, and the conference plans to contest the ruling at a hearing scheduled for Thursday. The SEC’s bylaws give presidents the authority to place a member on probation or restrict its participation in conference championships, though expulsion is not explicitly mentioned.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin said the players supporting the signings were "emphatic" about helping the team win and that the program is awaiting further guidance from the SEC. The conference released a statement affirming its intent to defend its rights as a voluntary association at the upcoming hearing.
The dispute highlights broader uncertainty in college football as the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility rule has led to dozens of lawsuits and prompted other conferences to adopt their own bans on former professionals. The outcome could set a precedent for how the SEC and other leagues govern member compliance outside the NCAA framework.