{
  "id": 5730096,
  "title": "LSU Makes Decision on Using Ex-NFL Players in Season Opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/lsu-makes-decision-on-using-ex-nfl-players-in-season-opener",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T06:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/lsu-makes-decision-on-using-ex-nfl-players-in-season-opener-12408374"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The LSU Tigers are facing a tricky decision as they prepare for their season opener against the Clemson Tigers. Coach Lane Kiffin has brought in players with NFL experience, Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, but the legality of their participation is uncertain. These players previously played for Kiffin at Ole Miss before joining the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. LSU and Kiffin have the choice to include them in the game, but the SEC's potential penalties add to the uncertainty. If the players do play, the SEC could suspend the coach for up to half a season, while the school could face a hefty fine. However, the SEC's capability to enforce these penalties remains unclear due to the recent court order. For now, Kiffin and LSU seem hesitant to take this risk in their first game of the season.",
  "summary": "The LSU Tigers have decided if former NFL players will compete in the team's season opener.",
  "key_points": [
    "LSU considers using ex-NFL players in season opener.",
    "Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris have NFL experience.",
    "SEC penalties uncertain due to recent court order."
  ],
  "editors_take": "LSU's likely decision to sit the ex-NFL players in the season opener suggests the school is prioritizing avoiding potential SEC penalties over leveraging the experience of the veteran players.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}