Louisiana Governor backs LSU in dispute with SEC over eligibility of former professional athletes
Governor Jeff Landry publicly supported LSU's effort to recruit athletes cleared by court orders, while the SEC moves to enforce new eligibility guidelines that would restrict such players.
Louisiana judges have issued court orders allowing athletes who previously signed professional contracts to return to college competition. LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin said the university will consider recruiting those players if the courts deem them eligible. The SEC, however, announced new guidelines that would bar former professionals from re-entering collegiate sports, arguing the rules are needed to preserve the league's integrity.
Governor Jeff Landry responded on Wednesday, describing the situation as "ridiculous" and urging critics to "hate the game, not the player." He added that college sports need reform and accused the SEC of creating a legal conflict by changing eligibility rules after athletes had already been cleared by courts.
The dispute also affects LSU basketball, where the school is evaluating players such as RJ Luis, who received an injunction permitting him to play pending the court ruling. SEC officials voted unanimously to adopt the new eligibility standards, while LSU president Wade Rousse abstained from the vote.
Both the football and basketball programs are preparing for potential legal challenges as the conference and the university navigate the evolving eligibility landscape.