Judge lets LSU add former NFL players as SEC weighs appeal

A Louisiana judge, William Jorden, issued a preliminary injunction blocking the NCAA from enforcing rules that would bar certain former pro football players from returning to college. The ruling, following nearly nine hours of testimony that included SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and players such as Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, cleared the way for LSU to pursue eligible ex-NFL athletes ahead of its roster deadline and season opener against Clemson. The dispute stems from the NCAA’s “age-based” eligibility changes, which players argued could cause them to lose their fifth-year eligibility despite leaving college for the NFL. The SEC has responded by filing a federal lawsuit aimed at preventing LSU from signing former NFL players and has discussed possible severe sanctions. The NCAA and SEC indicated they may seek to challenge or limit the injunction as the case proceeds, and LSU’s ability to use specific players is subject to ongoing eligibility determinations.