LSU has removed two former NFL players from its roster ahead of an SEC meeting that could determine the Tigers' future in the conference. The move comes after a Louisiana judge temporarily allowed tight end Dae’quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris to play this season despite SEC rules prohibiting players with NFL contracts.
The SEC had filed an amended complaint citing Lane Kiffin’s pre-game remarks about pro players, alleging the Tigers violated conference policies. Reports indicated all 15 SEC schools were prepared to vote on LSU’s expulsion at a special meeting scheduled for September 10, though the conference has not confirmed the agenda.
LSU announced the players would not be added to the roster, calling the matter "moot." The SEC has not publicly addressed whether the decision affects its planned meeting. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko compared the situation to a "son testing limits until dad raises his voice," suggesting LSU backed down after facing pushback.
SEC Rules and Legal Battle
The SEC prohibits players who have signed NFL contracts from competing in college football, a policy LSU challenged in court. A judge granted an injunction allowing Wright and Harris to play, but the conference moved to enforce its rules through legal and administrative means. The Tigers filled their roster with non-pro players before the deadline, avoiding immediate expulsion proceedings.
Coaching and Analyst Reactions
Analysts and coaches have offered mixed responses. Stephen A. Smith defended LSU’s attempt to recruit the players, while several SEC coaches expressed skepticism or criticism of Kiffin’s approach. Elko’s analogy framed the dispute as a test of conference authority versus institutional defiance, though he did not comment on the merits of the SEC’s position.
The SEC’s potential expulsion of LSU—a program with a long history in the conference—remains unprecedented. The meeting’s outcome could set a precedent for how the league handles future violations, though experts note the SEC has historically prioritized revenue and tradition over punitive measures against its flagship programs.