SEC, Big Ten Bar Pros From College Rosters

The Southeastern Conference passed a rule Tuesday, Aug. 25, barring players who have been drafted by NFL, NBA or WNBA teams — or who have appeared on rosters in those leagues — from playing at SEC schools, the Washington Times and the Associated Press reported. The rule also applies to players signed by the NBA G League.

Hours earlier the same day, the Big Ten became the first conference to adopt such a rule. The Big Ten's version covers football only, and the conference is expected to address other sports later.

This is a conference eligibility rule, not an NCAA rule and not a ban across all of college sports. It applies to the 34 schools in the two conferences.

The moves came four days before the start of the college football season.

Why It Happened

State courts have been granting a fifth year of eligibility to players who graduated high school in 2022.

In June, the NCAA passed a rule giving most players five years to finish five seasons of college eligibility — but did not grandfather in the Class of 2022. Hundreds of those players saw their fourth and supposedly final year run out last spring. They argue they are being denied educational opportunities and the chance to earn name, image and likeness money.

The result: players released from pro rosters this summer have been winning court orders letting them return to college. Rosters were already set, leaving incoming freshmen suddenly competing against athletes whose eligibility had supposedly expired.

Who It Hits

The SEC rule puts LSU on notice. Tigers football coach Lane Kiffin was adding Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, a pair of undrafted players out of Mississippi who had NFL tryouts over the summer and were released during training camp.

It also affects R.J. Luis Jr. The former St. John's star won a court ruling Monday allowing him to sign with Will Wade's LSU basketball program despite having briefly been under contract with the Jazz and the Celtics.

There was no immediate comment from LSU, the Washington Times reported.

In the Big Ten, UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond released a statement saying the school is complying with all conference rules and that all players on its roster are eligible, the Los Angeles Times reported — suggesting Trent Hendrick is not affected.

Penalties

The Big Ten's penalties for breaking its rule include a half-season suspension for the head coach and a fine for the school.

The SEC did not immediately disclose its penalties. Commissioner Greg Sankey is expected to have wide latitude in setting punishment.