SEC says conference working toward resolution after LSU's attempt to add former NFL players

The Southeastern Conference said its presidents and chancellors convened by videoconference on Thursday to address recent issues involving conference expectations and responsibilities, and to seek an appropriate resolution. The meeting followed a continuance of a hearing in the SEC's lawsuit against Louisiana State University and coach Lane Kiffin, which was postponed after LSU filled its final two scholarship spots on Tuesday.

The two players, former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and former Rebels tight end Dae'Quan Wright, had signed contracts with NFL teams but were released during preseason. A Louisiana judge ruled they were eligible for a fifth collegiate season after the NCAA extended five years of eligibility to athletes in the class of 2023 and younger.

The SEC had previously indicated that a rule would bar any player who had signed an NFL, NBA or WNBA contract from competing for a member school, and at one point the conference considered expelling LSU over the matter. However, after LSU submitted a roster with 103 of its 105 scholarship positions filled, the discussion of expulsion was dropped.

"The presidents and chancellors of the Southeastern Conference met Thursday by videoconference to discuss recent matters involving conference expectations and responsibilities," the SEC statement read.

"Those discussions will continue as the conference and its member universities work toward an appropriate resolution," the statement added.

LSU President Wade Rousse wrote that the pathway for the two players to join the team no longer existed, removing the issue of potential expulsion from Thursday's agenda. Attorneys for Harris and Wright said the players are reviewing their options.