SEC Files Federal Lawsuit Against LSU Over Recruitment of Former Professionals
The SEC sued Louisiana State University in federal court, alleging the school recruited athletes who had previously signed professional contracts, while several former pros seek court orders to regain college eligibility.
A federal lawsuit was filed by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) against Louisiana State University (LSU) in Alabama, accusing the school of deliberately recruiting athletes who had previously signed professional contracts in violation of conference rules. The complaint seeks an injunction to prevent LSU from actions the SEC says conflict with its mission and to enforce compliance with newly adopted eligibility standards.
The case follows a state-court hearing in Baton Rouge where former NFL players Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright, along with other former professionals, testified that they would have remained in college had they known they could later return. Harris, who received $190 in travel expenses from the New Orleans Saints, and Wright, who was paid a $25,000 signing bonus by the Philadelphia Eagles, said they would repay those amounts to regain eligibility at LSU.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified that the league must maintain a clear distinction between professional and collegiate sports and expressed concern that allowing former pros to return could displace current student-athletes. He noted that university presidents and chancellors voted unanimously to adopt the new rules, with LSU’s president abstaining.
Legal analysts indicated the federal filing is a contingency plan should the state court’s temporary injunction against the NCAA be overturned. Plaintiffs’ attorney Tony Clayton criticized the venue choice, questioning why the SEC sued LSU in Alabama rather than Louisiana.
The dispute occurs just days before LSU’s football season opener against Clemson. Several athletes, including former Broncos defensive back Blake Cotton and former Ole Miss players Harris and Wright, have been recruited by LSU’s new coach Lane Kiffin but may miss the opening game due to NCAA practice-time requirements.
Across the country, roughly 450 athletes have filed lawsuits seeking an additional year of college eligibility under recent NCAA rule changes, with about 300 already granted temporary relief. The SEC’s proposed penalties for violations include fines, partial season suspensions for coaches, and loss of voting rights for member institutions.