Lane Kiffin in contact with SEC, says pros can practice with team, can’t be added to roster

College football kicks off this weekend, but the SEC is gearing up for a legal battle in court on Thursday. The league is defending its rights in response to a Louisiana state judge's order that prohibits the SEC from penalizing schools if a football player re-enrolls on campus following a contract with an NFL team. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin is actively engaged in discussions with the SEC regarding the addition of players who are currently involved in pro league lawsuits.

According to Kiffin, the rule does not prevent players from practicing on campus, but it does restrict them from being added to the final 105-man roster, which must be submitted to the league by Friday. This is because the 105-man roster deadline for most teams is Friday, September 5, just a day before the first game of the season, which begins on Saturday, September 5.

In a recent development last week, a Texas judge temporarily halted the SEC's rule barring players from rejoining the league from the pros. The SEC statement on Sunday emphasized that the temporary restraining order issued against them and Commissioner Greg Sankey is not a final ruling on the merits. The SEC and Commissioner Sankey are set to contest the allegations presented by the plaintiffs during the Thursday morning hearing and will continue to defend the SEC's rights as a voluntary association to fulfill its mission towards its member institutions.

Following the hearing, the SEC will thoroughly review the court's decision and determine the appropriate next steps.