A Louisiana judge has thrown a major wrench into the SEC’s stance on ex-pros in college football, granting an injunction Thursday that opens the door for more than 40 athletes to gain NCAA and SEC eligibility.
The ruling from Judge William Jorden could have an immediate impact at LSU, where several potential additions are already in the mix. That list includes former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright.
Harris said he expects to be on LSU’s roster on Friday.
Wright went a step further, saying he expects not only to be added to LSU’s roster but to play against Clemson on Saturday. Per Pete Thamel, Wright has already practiced for two days.
LSU is also working to add another former pro, according to CBS Sports. The report, citing sources, says the Tigers are targeting former Utah and Denver Broncos cornerback Blake Cotton.
Nothing is finalized yet. Cotton spent the offseason with the Broncos before being released in August.
The injunction comes at a tense moment for LSU and the rest of the SEC. The Tigers are due to submit their 105-man roster Friday, and last week the conference announced stiff potential punishment for football and basketball teams that add ex-professionals.
The group affected by Thursday’s ruling includes 42 athletes from different sports who are suing the NCAA for the chance to play a fifth and final season of college sports. Among them is former Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who also plans to play for LSU.
How much these athletes can actually play is still unclear, because the legal fight is far from over.
ESPN’s Dan Murphy reported that attorneys representing the SEC intend to appeal “as soon as possible.”
The SEC’s resistance is also still very much alive. ESPN reported that several conference presidents told the network this week they ”will not budge” on their position against former pros returning to college. The report also said the SEC would be violating a court order if the league office sanctioned LSU.
On Thursday morning, the league filed a separate lawsuit against LSU and Kiffin, asking a federal judge in Alabama to create a clear path for enforcing the punishments announced last week. That judge has not yet ruled.
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