In a high‑profile legal battle unfolding in Baton Rouge, former professional football players Zxavian Harris, Dae’Quan Wright and Blake Cotton are among dozens of athletes seeking a ruling that would allow them to play college football this fall despite having already entered the professional ranks.
The SEC’s Position
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey arrived in court to defend the Southeastern Conference’s authority to enforce its own eligibility rules, contesting a temporary injunction issued by Judge William Jorden that temporarily blocks the conference from applying its five‑year competition framework.
The athletes argue that the NCAA’s recent amendment, which extends eligibility to five full seasons, was adopted after they signed professional contracts, leaving them unfairly denied a fifth year of college competition; about 450 plaintiffs are involved, with roughly 300 currently cleared to play and 150 barred by the NCAA.
In its brief, the SEC contends that the judge should focus on whether the conference can legally enforce its eligibility standards, proposing penalties such as hefty fines, up to a half‑season suspension for coaches and the loss of voting privileges for member universities that violate the protocols.
The conference’s board voted 15‑0 in favor of the new rules, with LSU’s president abstaining, underscoring broad support among its member institutions despite the legal challenge.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill have publicly criticized the NCAA’s rule shift and the judge’s decision, describing them as a “classic bait‑and‑switch” that exploits athletes for institutional gain.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between universities, conferences and the NCAA over eligibility regulations, and the potential financial and competitive ramifications that accompany any changes to the sport’s governance.