LSU Won’t Roster Ex-NBA Player As SEC Legal Battle Continues

LSU has continued to pursue a solution to its strained relationship with the SEC, filing a motion on Tuesday to dismiss a lawsuit initiated by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. The motion came shortly after reports emerged indicating that LSU men's basketball coach Will Wade had decided not to roster RJ Luis Jr., a player who recently won an injunction allowing him to play for the Tigers.

Murrill stated, "Enough is enough," arguing that there is no logical reason to continue wasting the court's time and resources without providing a valid reason. The conflict initially arose when LSU's football program offered roster spots to players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who were suing the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility due to their NFL preseason contracts.

In response, the SEC implemented a rule that prohibited former professional players from rejoining SEC schools, leading to the SEC filing a lawsuit against LSU and threatening to expel them from the conference. Although Wade initially refused to roster Harris and Wright, he later clarified that Luis Jr. had not yet been rostered and did not travel with the team for exhibition games.

The SEC, however, remained unconvinced that LSU would comply with its rules, citing the recruitment of former NBA player Sailou Niang, who also appeared to violate the conference's policy. LSU's decision to refrain from rostering Luis Jr., similar to Wade's actions with the football program, aims to resolve the ongoing litigation and improve relations between the two parties.