The Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten Conference have implemented new eligibility rules that prohibit college athletes who have participated in professional sports from competing. This decision comes after multiple court rulings granted injunctions and temporary restraining orders allowing such athletes to play in the current season. The move by the two major athletic conferences escalates a conflict with the NCAA over evolving eligibility standards.
Under the new policies, any athlete who has signed with a professional team, declared for a professional draft (NFL, NBA, or WNBA) without withdrawing, or participated in a professional training camp will be deemed ineligible for conference competition. The SEC and Big Ten voted to enact these guidelines this week. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been granted the authority to enforce these rules, which include potential suspensions for coaches and monetary fines for violating schools.
This development follows a series of lawsuits initiated by athletes challenging the NCAA's eligibility guidelines, which generally provide athletes five years to compete across five seasons. Court orders in several states have, however, allowed individual athletes to bypass these NCAA restrictions and play for their college teams.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti meet with reporters during a joint press conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
Attorneys representing athletes argue that the conferences' actions are an attempt to circumvent court orders. Ryan Downton, an attorney representing several players, stated that the SEC's actions put the NCAA in contempt of court orders and described the conferences' conduct as "cartel-like." He indicated that legal strategies are being developed to challenge the new guidelines.
Coaches like LSU's Lane Kiffin have publicly defended recruiting athletes with prior professional experience, citing the availability of these players due to court rulings. Kiffin noted that if his team did not recruit them, other schools would. This approach includes former Ole Miss players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who are set to join LSU's roster following a Louisiana court's decision granting them additional eligibility.
Dae'quan Wright catches a touchdown pass for Ole Miss against Miami.
Attorney Darren Heitner, representing Wright, urged the SEC to comply with the Louisiana court's order. The situation presents a complex legal landscape where athletes and universities may have to decide whether to adhere to conference rules or comply with judicial mandates.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks at Big Ten football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
NCAA actions have faced legal challenges across the country. Earlier this year, a federal appeals court upheld a stay that prevented the NCAA from enforcing its rules against a group of 2022 class athletes who had sued over eligibility. The NCAA has been fighting multiple lawsuits concerning athlete eligibility in various state courts.