The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is considering expelling Louisiana State University (LSU) over allegations that the school has failed to maintain institutional control over its football program and head coach Lane Kiffin. An amended complaint filed by the conference in an Alabama federal court on Tuesday outlines the SEC's concerns, indicating a special meeting is scheduled for Thursday to vote on LSU's potential expulsion.
The SEC's filing alleges that LSU officials, specifically President [redacted] Rousse and Athletic Director [redacted] Ausberry, have demonstrated a "complete lack of control" over Kiffin and the football program. This alleged lack of oversight, the conference claims, has allowed Kiffin to operate without meaningful guidance from the athletic department, leading to actions and statements that violate conference rules.
The dispute appears to stem from the SEC's policy regarding the rostering of athletes with prior NFL experience. Last week, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified in a Louisiana district court regarding LSU's challenge to this policy. During his testimony, Sankey asserted that the SEC was not seeking to make any student-athlete ineligible but was instead taking action against state actors violating the conference's First Amendment rights.
According to the amended complaint, SEC presidents and chancellors expressed significant concern at a September 4 meeting, with a consensus that LSU lacked institutional control at the university level, particularly concerning Kiffin's actions. Kiffin's recent comments, particularly those made during the Clemson game, suggesting that the outcome could have been worse if LSU had been able to roster professional players, were viewed by the SEC as a clear indication of this lack of control.
The SEC's constitution allows for the involuntary termination of a member institution's membership with a two-thirds vote of the Chief Executive Officers. The notice for the special meeting states that the vote will consider terminating LSU's membership whether or not the university renounces its intention to roster professional players. While the likelihood of expulsion is considered slim, the SEC's actions signal a serious escalation in the dispute.
This legal battle between the SEC and LSU has placed the conference and its leadership under scrutiny. The conference asserts that LSU's alleged recalcitrance and the statements and conduct of its officials have caused serious harm. The SEC's filing on Tuesday, following Sankey's testimony, indicates they are prepared to take significant action to address what they perceive as an embarrassing situation and a disregard for conference governance.