College sports and ‘amateurism’ become the new ‘professional’ as an NFL player fights to return to school

Former NFL player Dae'Quan Wright may soon return to college football at LSU. Wright, a tight end from Ole Miss, was waived by the Cleveland Browns and filed a lawsuit challenging NCAA eligibility rules. The legal battle over his eligibility has gained momentum as major conferences adopted new rules banning athletes who signed professional contracts from returning to college.

However, a Dallas judge recently blocked the SEC from enforcing this ban against Wright and others like him. The NCAA argues that Wright's case undermines amateurism, but sports historian Victoria Jackson contends that college sports have become a top global competition, and athletes can potentially earn more through college programs than in professional leagues.

The NCAA is now pushing for federal legislation to level the playing field for student-athletes, while Wright's case highlights the evolving nature of college sports in the modern economy.