In a decisive move for Louisiana athletics, East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden issued a preliminary injunction Thursday night that stops the NCAA from barring former professional football players from competing for Louisiana State University. The ruling comes just before LSU must submit its 105‑man roster to the SEC.
Local impact and legal backdrop
The injunction follows a nearly nine‑hour hearing held less than three miles from the LSU campus. Several former NFL athletes testified, arguing they should be allowed a fifth year of college competition after brief stints in the pros. Attorney Tony Clayton, representing the athletes, said the decision “serves justice for these kids.”
Attorney General Liz Murrill of Louisiana filed an athlete‑friendly brief and later called the SEC’s federal lawsuit against LSU “legal garbage” and “frivolous.” The SEC, however, is pursuing its own case in federal court in Alabama, seeking to enforce conference rules that prohibit former professionals from joining member schools.
SEC response and upcoming games
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified that the conference must maintain a clear line between professional and college sports, warning that allowing former pros could displace current student‑athletes. He noted that the league’s member schools voted unanimously to adopt stiff penalties for violations, including fines up to half of a sport’s revenue and possible half‑season suspensions for coaches.
LSU, currently ranked 11th, opens its season at home against Clemson in two days. The judge’s order does not specify how many games the former pros may play, but the athletes expect to be eligible when LSU visits Ole Miss on Sept. 19.
Former pros seek fifth‑year eligibility nationwide
The LSU case is part of a broader legal battle. The NCAA reports roughly 450 athlete plaintiffs across the country seeking additional eligibility, with about 300 already granted the ability to play, at least temporarily. NCAA attorney Taylor Askew argued that the volume of disputes shows the organization is trying to enforce rules consistently.
Former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright, both now linked to LSU, testified they would not have signed NFL contracts had they known a college option remained. Harris said he earned only $190 in travel expenses, while Wright received a $25,000 signing bonus that he would gladly repay for a chance to wear the Tiger uniform.
Other former pros, including former Denver Broncos defensive back Blake Cotton, are also awaiting decisions on their eligibility. Their cases underscore a growing trend of athletes challenging NCAA rules that limit a fifth year of competition.
What’s next?
The injunction is temporary and the case will continue through the courts. Both the NCAA and the SEC have indicated they will appeal, meaning the legal fight is far from over. In the meantime, LSU’s coaching staff, led by Lane Kiffin, must navigate roster decisions while the Tigers prepare for their season opener.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
