SEC sues LSU over potential addition of former NFL players amid roster deadline

The SEC escalated its dispute with LSU by filing a federal lawsuit alleging the school violated conference rules by trying to add former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to its football roster. Judge William Jorden issued a preliminary injunction that permits the two athletes to be rostered by other schools for the upcoming season. LSU did not include the players on its official Friday roster, but retains the option to add them later under an SEC exemption for full-time students.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified that any member school rostered players with professional ties would breach the new eligibility guidelines, and the conference has authorized penalties such as a 50% coach suspension and hefty fines. Discussions involved LSU administrators, Governor Jeff Landry, President Wade Rousse, and legal counsel throughout Thursday and Friday. If LSU had added and later removed the players, attorneys said a contempt of court order could be pursued. The lawsuit remains pending as the football season approaches.