{
  "id": 5803879,
  "title": "Lane Kiffin Breaks Silence on LSU's Ex-NFL Players Bombshell",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/lane-kiffin-breaks-silence-on-lsus-ex-nfl-players-bombshell",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T17:50:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/lane-kiffin-breaks-silence-on-lsus-ex-nfl-players-bombshell-12409123"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "LSU's 2026 season opener against Clemson Tigers in Death Valley has generated significant discussion, not just due to the high-profile matchup but also because of a decision not to include two former NFL players, Dae Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, on the roster. Kiffin, LSU's new head coach, was hesitant to add the players, feeling the need to consider the big picture of the program. While Kiffin expressed empathy for the players and believed they had a chance to play like other athletes, he ultimately made the decision based on LSU's best interests. Both players are enrolled at LSU and could potentially join the team later in the season. Kiffin's controversial decisions, including his brief tenure with the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee, and Ole Miss, further fuel the ongoing debate surrounding his leadership.",
  "summary": "Lane Kiffin breaks his silence on LSU's last-minute call to keep two ex-NFL players off the roster amid a heated SEC legal battle.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Meet the two ex-NFL players joining LSU, Lane Kiffin to play in college football games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/meet-the-two-ex-nfl-players-joining-lsu-lane-kiffin-to-play-in",
        "published": "2026-09-05T09:00:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}