The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has filed a lawsuit against Louisiana State University (LSU) and its leadership, alleging the school has conducted a "deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes" in violation of league rules. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in an Alabama federal court, as the conference seeks to enforce its eligibility standards amid ongoing debates about athletes playing college sports after turning professional.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified in a Baton Rouge courtroom as part of a related hearing concerning the eligibility of athletes who have previously played professionally. Among those present were former NFL players Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright, who are seeking to play for LSU. Attorneys for the athletes questioned Sankey about the SEC's eligibility rules, pointing to similarities with NCAA regulations and suggesting potential collusion.
During his testimony, Sankey emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between professional and college sports. "The line between professional sports and college sports needs to be maintained," Sankey stated, expressing concern that incoming professional athletes could displace others from limited roster spots.
Attorneys also raised questions about why the SEC has focused on players who signed with U.S.-based professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, and WNBA, while not immediately addressing those who have played in overseas leagues or women's professional soccer. Sankey indicated that the conference has not yet had time to research all details.
The lawsuit itself seeks a court injunction to prevent LSU from violating the SEC's rights by compelling it to "associate with conduct that is contrary to the conference's purpose and mission." The SEC is based in Birmingham, Alabama, which is why the suit was filed in that state.
This legal action comes as East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden presides over a hearing regarding a temporary injunction that prevents the NCAA from declaring recent former professionals or fifth-year college athletes ineligible. The SEC and other Power Four conferences have recently adopted formal rules that align with this stance.
Judge Jorden also questioned why the NCAA should not be held in contempt for potential punishments against member schools that add former NFL or NBA athletes to their rosters. Players like Zxavian Harris, former defensive lineman for the New Orleans Saints, and Dae’Quan Wright, former tight end for the Cleveland Browns, are among those hoping to join LSU and its new coach, Lane Kiffin. Blake Cotton, a former defensive back for the Denver Broncos, is also being recruited by Kiffin to join LSU.
Wright, who played for Kiffin last season at Mississippi, has begun practicing at LSU. Harris has committed to LSU, while Cotton has been recruited by Kiffin from Utah. These athletes are part of a larger group of approximately 450 plaintiffs nationwide who argue they are unfairly being denied a fifth year of college eligibility under newly adopted NCAA rules. While some have successfully gained the ability to play through litigation, others have been rejected.
The athletes contend they signed professional contracts only because college eligibility rules that would have allowed them another season were not adopted until after they had made their decisions to pursue professional opportunities.
In a brief filed Wednesday, the SEC stated the core issue is whether the conference "can enforce and require its member institutions to comply with SEC rules." Proposed SEC punishments include significant fines, suspensions for coaches, and the loss of voting privileges for member universities.
Sankey provided an affidavit indicating that SEC university presidents voted unanimously in favor of the new rules, with LSU abstaining from the vote. He also asserted that the SEC is acting independently and not in collusion with the NCAA to prevent Kiffin from recruiting former professionals.
The dispute has also drawn attention from state attorneys general. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr reportedly sent a letter to Sankey supporting measures to punish LSU if it added former NFL players, while Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill countered that the NCAA's evolving rules have created a "classic bait-and-switch" for athletes and universities.