Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 adopt bans on former pros returning to college competition, ACC weighs similar rule
The Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 have voted to bar athletes who have signed professional contracts from rejoining college teams, and the ACC is considering a comparable policy.
The Big Ten voted unanimously on Tuesday to make any underclassman who declared for the NFL Draft, signed a professional contract or appeared on an NFL roster ineligible for college competition. The conference said it will enforce coach suspensions of half a season and institutional fines for violations.
The SEC adopted a similar rule later that day, extending the ban to both football and basketball. In its statement the league said, "College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference. Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition." SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was granted full authority to enforce the policy, including the power to suspend schools.
On Wednesday the Big 12 also passed a unanimous policy that prohibits former professionals from competing in any sport.
The Atlantic Coast Conference is reviewing a comparable measure, though no decision has been announced. Notre Dame officials have indicated the university will align with the new policies adopted by the Big Ten and SEC.
The rule changes come amid reports that NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris are leaving their professional teams to join LSU, prompting comments from LSU head coach Lane Kiffin about recruiting former pros. Further discussions are scheduled at a two-day meeting of SEC presidents and athletic directors in Birmingham, Alabama.