A courtroom near LSU becomes the focus of college football and NCAA eligibility for pros
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A courtroom a couple miles from LSU’s Tiger Stadium was the focus of college football Thursday, when several dozen athletes awaited a ruling that could clear the way…
A courtroom, situated just a few miles away from LSU’s Tiger Stadium, drew attention across the realm of college football on Thursday. Dozens of athletes found themselves awaiting a ruling that could potentially pave their path to compete in NCAA games this fall, even if they had already transitioned to professional ranks. Legal representatives from the athletes, the NCAA, and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) were set to present their arguments before East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden.
Jorden had previously issued a temporary injunction halting the NCAA from ruling on the eligibility of recent former professionals and fifth-year college athletes. He also requested the NCAA to provide a clear explanation as to why it should not be held in contempt following the SEC and other power conferences' decision to enforce stringent penalties on member schools that include former NFL or NBA players in their football or basketball rosters.
Among the athletes at the center of this controversy are Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, and Blake Cotton. These players, who have been recruited by LSU coach Lane Kiffin, were present at the hearing. Wright, who played for Kiffin last season at Mississippi State, began practicing with LSU’s No. 11 team this week. However, this late arrival means he is ineligible to participate in Saturday’s home opener against Clemson, as per the NCAA's required seven-day "acclimatization" period before appearing in a game.
Harris, on the other hand, has committed to LSU, while Cotton has been recruited by Kiffin. Both have been actively recruited by Kiffin from their respective college careers at Ole Miss and Utah, respectively. All three athletes are part of a growing group of players who have been challenging the NCAA in numerous lawsuits, arguing that they are being unjustly denied the opportunity to complete a fifth year of college competition under the newly implemented NCAA rules allowing for five full years of college sports.
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