LSU Keeps Wright, Harris Off Roster for Clemson Opener — SkimNews
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- LSU did not add tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris to the roster for Saturday's Clemson opener, though both had been cleared earlier in the week to return to college football after brief NFL stints.
- Lane Kiffin told ESPN's "College GameDay" the decision "wasn't easy" and was made for the "big picture of LSU and the LSU football program" amid the "uncertainties of what could come by adding them to the roster."
- Attorney Ryan Downton, who represents both players, said LSU made a "measured decision to keep these two young men off the roster for now while preserving a path" for later addition, noting neither was drafted, made an NFL roster or practice squad, or played in a preseason game.
- Judge William Jorden approved a preliminary injunction Thursday barring the NCAA and SEC from punishing any school that puts the plaintiffs on the field — but the order applies only to the 42 athletes named in the suit.
- Wright and Harris, former Ole Miss players, are among the 42 athletes who sued the NCAA in Louisiana to play a fifth and final college season; LSU could still face SEC punitive punishment for rostering players who signed NFL contracts.
- Wright was waived by the Cleveland Browns in August after suiting up but not playing in their second preseason game; Harris was waived by the New Orleans Saints last month before announcing a "business decision" to head to Baton Rouge.
- Junior Tuihalamaka, a former Notre Dame pass rusher also named in the lawsuit, also plans to play for LSU.
Why it matters: LSU had a federal court's cover to play Wright and Harris on Saturday but chose not to, accepting a brief roster gap to gauge SEC-level punishment risk over 42 athletes seeking a fifth college season — a cautious precedent other schools in the lawsuit will weigh before rostering their own returning ex-pros.
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