NFL, NBA, WNBA players cannot return, SEC says
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- SEC voted 16-0 at an in-person meeting to bar member institutions from rostering athletes who previously declared for the NFL/NBA/WNBA draft without properly withdrawing, signed pro contracts, or appeared on pro rosters, with Commissioner Greg Sankey authorized to enforce the policy with penalties (to be announced).
- Big Ten passed a similar rule earlier this week, while the ACC, Big 12, and Notre Dame indicated they were close behind — Notre Dame telling ESPN it is 'totally opposed' to any pro-to-college transaction.
- Dae'Quan Wright, the former Ole Miss tight end, received a Louisiana temporary restraining order allowing him to pursue a fifth year of college eligibility at LSU after appearing in a Cleveland Browns preseason game.
- RJ Luis Jr. was granted a separate Louisiana temporary injunction to play for LSU this season despite having signed multiple NBA contracts.
- Attorney Ryan Downton, who represents clients affected by the ruling, told ESPN the conferences' actions amount to 'cartel-like conduct' that 'put[s] the NCAA in contempt of multiple court orders.'
- LSU football coach Lane Kiffin and men's basketball coach Will Wade have not said whether they'll comply with the new conference rules, let the courts decide, or continue pursuing the players.
- The SEC's Monday statement argued pro-to-college moves would 'blur the line' between amateur and professional competition and 'create significant competitive equity concerns,' reiterating its support for the Protect College Sports Act.
Why it matters: Two Louisiana courts have already granted restraining orders enabling the very moves the SEC rule prohibits, and an attorney for affected players is now publicly accusing conferences of 'cartel-like conduct' and contempt of court — meaning the new 16-0 policy is likely to face immediate legal challenges that could redefine where amateur eligibility ends and professional status begins.
Ask SkimNews
