SEC files court request that could lead to LSU's expulsion over eligibility dispute

The SEC filed an amended complaint in a federal court in Alabama, asking a judge to issue a temporary restraining order that would bar LSU and other defendants from interfering with a special meeting scheduled for Sept. 10. The league says the order is needed to protect its ability to vote on whether to remove LSU from the conference.

The filing cites the SEC Constitution, which gives the conference’s chief executives plenary authority over all matters, including actions outlined in Article 3, and argues that the league has the discretion to expel a member that it believes violates its core values.

"Forced association with a member whose conduct is antithetical to the SEC's mission and core values violates the Conference's fundamental First Amendment rights," the complaint states.

The request adds the Louisiana attorney general, LSU President Wade Rousse, Athletics Director Verge Ausberry and head coach Lane Kiffin as plaintiffs, framing the dispute as the SEC versus the state of Louisiana.

Attorney Ryan Regula, who represents the SEC, said the amended complaint expands the case beyond the roster issue to include the league’s right to vote on expulsion and to prevent state officials from blocking that vote. He noted that a preliminary injunction in Louisiana had allowed two former NFL players to be excluded from LSU's Week 1 roster, and that LSU left two roster spots open after the NCAA deadline, intending to add the players later.

Coach Lane Kiffin, appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay, explained that he kept the players off the roster because of the uncertainty surrounding the legal battle, saying the decision was made for the "big picture" of the program.

If granted, the restraining order could allow the SEC to proceed with a vote that might remove LSU from the conference before the Sept. 10 meeting.