ESPN pundit Paul Finebaum has strongly criticized LSU coach Lane Kiffin and the university for their involvement in a recent college football eligibility dispute. Finebaum called Kiffin a “child” during an appearance on SEC Nation, expressing dismay at how LSU handled its attempt to bring former NFL players back to the college level.
Finebaum's remarks followed a week of controversy in which LSU pursued former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. Both players had spent time with NFL teams before being removed from LSU's roster for the season opener against Clemson. A Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday, allowing Wright and Harris to return to college eligibility despite opposition from the NCAA and other conferences.
The SEC had filed a federal lawsuit against Kiffin and LSU in an effort to prevent former professional players from returning to SEC rosters. Finebaum, however, lauded SEC commissioner Greg Sankey as a “hero” for his role in protecting the integrity of the league.
“What happened down there has left a stain on this league,” Finebaum stated. He suggested that if SEC presidents were to vote, they might consider expelling LSU from the conference, a sentiment he believes would not be unpopular with fans.
Kiffin addressed the decision to leave Wright and Harris off the opening game roster during an appearance on ESPN's College GameDay. "That wasn't easy," Kiffin said. "I'm the head coach at LSU, and I had to make a decision for the big picture of LSU, with the uncertainties of what could come by adding them to the roster."