Lane Kiffin, LSU Could Face Major SEC Punishment for Playing NFLers

Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers may face significant penalties from the SEC if the team decides to play two of its former players who are NFL rookies: tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris. These players were recently released from their NFL contracts, but a Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) that allows them to return for another year of college eligibility.

However, the SEC is considering adopting a rule similar to the Big Ten's policy, which would prohibit former NFL players from playing for its league. If LSU were to violate this potential rule, Kiffin and the Tigers could face severe consequences, including disqualification from the SEC season and a hefty $1 million fine, according to an SEC athletic director.

The SEC has made it clear that they only want college athletes competing in their league, not former professional athletes. Allowing such a return would blur the line between college and professional sports, create competitive equity concerns, and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes. The issue of national eligibility standards has become increasingly confusing, and the Protect College Sports Act may be necessary to address this matter.

Kiffin has expressed frustration with conferences not adhering to court orders and suggested that this could lead to a significant problem in the future, where conferences decide which rules they want to follow or not, which he believes is not fair.