SEC says it's 'deeply disappointed' after LSU files motion to dismiss lawsuit in ongoing legal battle

The SEC expressed deep disappointment after LSU filed a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit in their ongoing legal battle, according to the source. The motion, filed by LSU officials and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, cited a lack of personal jurisdiction over the defendants, including LSU head coach Lane Kiffin and several university leaders, and stated that the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.

The SEC responded by stating that they were deeply disappointed the filing occurred amid efforts to reach a resolution with LSU, as the concerns about LSU's commitment to conference rules and shared governance remain unresolved. LSU president Wade Rousse and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey had been in negotiations with the SEC legal team to resolve the dispute, but failed to reach a settlement.

Murrill criticized the SEC and its case in a statement to Yahoo Sports, claiming the lawsuit was improper and moot. The SEC filed its suit in response to LSU's recruitment of former Ole Miss players Zxavian Harris and Dae Quan Wright, who signed NFL contracts and tried to return to college football, leading to an uproar across the SEC and ultimately resulting in LSU backing down and locking out the two players for the 2026 season.