SEC Wins Lawsuit Against LSU Regarding Attempt to Field Former NFL Talent

Multiple Authors

• 

  Mark SchlabachSep 3, 2026, 01:58 PM ET

• Senior college football writer
• Author of seven books on college football
• Graduate of the University of Georgia

The SEC sued LSU in U.S. District Court in Alabama on Thursday, claiming the university is violating the league’s First Amendment right of expressive association by disregarding SEC rules that bar the signing and use of former NFL players.
The litigation also holds the LSU board of supervisors, president Wade Rousse, athletics director Verge Ausberry, and head coach Lane Kiffin liable as defendants. The case was filed concurrently with an injunction hearing in state court in Baton Rouge, among others testimony made by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.
When Sankey testified in the state‑court session, his attorney raised the newly filed Federal case. The surprise prompted a burst of attention in the room, where few attendees were previously aware of this development.

The SEC warns that the Professionalism Rules—cornerstones of the conference’s identity—mandate that individuals who leave college play for a professional contract may not return to compete in collegiate athletics. These guidelines safeguard academic focus, preserve competitive equity, and uphold the clear line between college and professional sports.
The organization requests both a preliminary and permanent federal injunction prohibiting the LSU board from complying with practices that contravene those principles, and another injunction blocking LSU’s efforts to deter, coerce, prevent, or penalize the conference for asserting its First Amendment rights.
Closely tied to the dispute is the league’s longstanding stance that the distinction between amateurs and professionals is essential. According to documents submitted with the lawsuit: “Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition.” While every SEC member affirmed this position, LSU publicly endorsed the 2026‑07 restriction when it adopted an August 25 statement reaffirming the Professionalism Rules.
The SEC argues that despite its rulings, the LSU board aimed to exploit perceived loopholes. Emphasizing its constitutional rights, the complaint asserts the district court must declare the university’s actions as violations and grant the league the authority to disassociate from conduct that undermines its purpose and values.
California state judge William Jorden ruled this past Friday that the SEC cannot enforce a recent directive sanctioning schools that employ former NFL talent following the summer camp recruiting period. The decision blocks Punishments such as half‑season suspensions for coaches, fines equivalent to half the sports department’s yearly budget, and removal of electoral privileges.
The suit arose after former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris announced intentions to join their former mentor Lane Kiffin at LSU after completing NFL training camps. Prior to this, a temporary restraining order had blocked the NCAA from labeling Wright and Harris ineligible under the league’s new five‑for‑five disciplinary regime.
“ Today, the SEC stands as a sixteen‑member association whose presidents and chancellors have jointly governed institutional relationships for generations,” the complaint states. “The Professionalism Rules form the bedrock of our shared agreement, providing the competitive integrity and fairplay essential to the success of all member schools.”
ESPN’s Pete Thamel contributed to this report.

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