Clemson officials notify LSU it may be breaching contract if it plays former pro players Saturday

Clemson officials have informed LSU that including former professional football players in Saturday's game might violate the contract between the two institutions. In a letter sent by Clemson's general counsel Chip Hood to LSU's general counsel on Friday, Clemson indicated its intention to attend the opener in Baton Rouge, but raised concerns about eligibility that may violate contractual obligations.

The email, which was seen by Yahoo Sports, does not demand financial compensation or court action. Nonetheless, Clemson reiterates its backing of the NCAA and conference guidelines on the eligibility of returning professional athletes. Clemson's legal team has been examining the game contract over the past few days, which includes a clause forbidding the participation of ineligible players.

LSU has not officially added pro players to its roster, yet a Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday, allowing a group of athletes to stay eligible for a fifth season, even those who signed pro contracts and have committed to Lane Kiffin's squad. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson was quoted by Yahoo Sports as expressing strong opposition to professional athletes participating against his state school.

He argued that if LSU wishes to alter the rules for those players, they should seek a waiver from the SEC through legal channels, rather than going to court, which could lead to chaos and anarchy. Wilson also stated that the SEC, as a private organization, should be granted the authority to self-govern and enforce its rules, particularly a bylaw approved by all 16 university presidents.

The SEC president, Wade Rousse, recently reaffirmed the conference's ban on pro players during a meeting in Birmingham. With the game set to be a tense encounter, LSU's attorney general, Wilson, jokes about increasing his security measures. Clemson's email marks the latest chapter in a story filled with drama over the past weeks.

On Thursday, the SEC filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, its president, board of directors, and athletic director, requesting a judge to grant them the ability to enforce their rules against LSU if it violates conference bylaws by rostering professional athletes. The SEC claims that LSU and coach Lane Kiffin orchestrated a recruitment campaign targeting professional athletes to join the LSU football roster.

Three players, including ex-Ole Miss players Dae Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, have made public commitments to join the LSU team and have received injunctions to return to college. Adding these players would not only breach the SEC's rule against pro athletes but also violate the league's policy against players transferring from one conference member to another outside the transfer portal window.