Kiffin Pushes LSU to Roster Ex-NFL Players Despite SEC — SkimNews
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- Lane Kiffin said he "struggled" with pursuing former NFL rookies seeking a fifth year but felt reassured after his players' leadership committee unanimously told him to "bring 'em" if the newcomers could help win.
- LSU has been practicing with tight end Dae'Quan Wright (released by the Cleveland Browns) and former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, with defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and ex-LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn also candidates.
- Kiffin told ESPN the Tigers wouldn't need to cut anyone because they're already under the 105-man roster cap, which also refunds spots for any player who suffers a season-ending injury in spring or fall.
- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian took the opposite stance at his own Week 1 news conference, calling it "morally wrong" to remove an NFL-roster player and tell a current player who's worked nine months "to go kick rocks."
- Kiffin said LSU's final roster is due to the SEC on Friday, the day before the Tigers host Clemson, and it's too early to predict whether any late arrivals will play in Week 1.
- A Baton Rouge judge signed a show-cause order requiring the SEC and NCAA to explain why new penalties don't violate his prior ruling; on Thursday he'll decide whether to uphold or reverse the temporary restraining order blocking those penalties.
- Kiffin said if the ruling is reversed, "of course" LSU will follow SEC rules, insisting there's "never been any intent" to play an ineligible athlete.
Why it matters: The Thursday ruling decides whether the SEC can enforce penalties including a half-season coach suspension, a fine matching 50% of the sport's annual budget, and revoked league voting rights — making compliance the only rational path for LSU and any peer school that might follow Kiffin's lead.
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