Big Ten to put foot down, block NFL players from returning to college

The Big Ten has taken on the responsibility of setting a new rule that aims to prevent NFL players who have declared for the draft from returning to college for an additional year of eligibility. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, any player who has declared for the NFL draft, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed a contract with a pro league will be barred from joining a Big Ten school.

This decision has been proposed in response to the temporary restraining order granted to former college athletes who would have been eligible for an extra year under the new scholarship rule. The Big Ten's move has sparked discussion, with former Ole Miss TE Dae Quan Wright seeking to be waived by the Cleveland Browns to return to school and join Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers.

Sources indicate that while this is a commendable move, it raises concerns about how other conferences, particularly the SEC, will react. It is expected that other conferences might follow suit, but there is also a possibility that they could permit ex-professional athletes to return to college football. Ultimately, the decision will be determined in court.