SEC announces ban for former pros: Does this make Mark Mitchell ineligible?

The SEC has announced new rules prohibiting former professional athletes from returning to play college sports at an SEC school. This decision comes after the Big Ten implemented similar bylaws earlier. Players who have declared for NBA, NFL, or WNBA drafts, signed contracts with professional teams, or been listed on their rosters will be ineligible to return to college sports.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been granted the authority to enforce these rules with penalties against member institutions. Kentucky's Mark Mitchell, who declared for the NBA Draft and signed an Exhibit 10 contract to play in the NBA Summer League for the Denver Nuggets, finds himself in a difficult situation. Despite a recent ruling allowing him to participate in his fifth season of college basketball, it is unclear if these new SEC bylaws will make him ineligible for the upcoming season.

While there is still time before the season begins, several weeks will be needed to resolve the situation and hopefully reach a final decision on Mitchell's eligibility. Expect more legal challenges as the fight continues for former 2022 players seeking an additional season.