Louisiana court ruling clears path for LSU to roster ex-NFL players
A preliminary injunction granted to LSU allows the university to add former NFL athletes to its roster ahead of its season opener, despite the SEC’s ongoing legal challenge.
A Louisiana judge has granted a preliminary injunction in favour of LSU, temporarily blocking the Southeastern Conference (SEC) from enforcing its ban on former professional athletes. The ruling, issued by Judge William Jorden, clears the immediate administrative path for the university to add tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris to its roster.
The decision comes just over 48 hours before LSU’s season opener against Clemson in Baton Rouge. The dispute originated when the SEC voted unanimously to approve a ban on former professional athletes, prompting lawyers for affected players to add the conference and Commissioner Greg Sankey to existing lawsuits. Judge Jorden expressed skepticism towards the conference’s actions, describing the SEC’s recent addition of specifics to its professional ban as "wide-open collusion."
The SEC has stated it will comply with the court order while continuing to fight to enforce its rules. In a statement, the conference noted that the order is a temporary restraining order rather than a final ruling on the merits. The SEC has also filed a separate federal lawsuit in Alabama to counter the order, seeking to enforce sanctions that could include suspending a head coach for half the season and levying fines reaching tens of millions of dollars.
The ruling has immediate implications for LSU’s roster construction. Wright, who posted a 74 per cent route-run percentage and averaged 9.9 yards per route, offers a significant upgrade to the passing game. Harris, a 6-foot-8, 330-pound defensive lineman, provides experienced depth to the interior line, having played 66 per cent of defensive snaps for the Memphis Rebels last season.
Beyond the two confirmed additions, the legal victory may open the door for further late-arrivals. Former Utah cornerback Blake Cotton, who recently obtained his own temporary restraining order, intends to seek a roster spot at a Division I university in Louisiana. Cotton, who signed with the Denver Broncos in the offseason, is widely expected to join LSU, providing reliable depth in the secondary.
The situation remains fluid as other SEC member institutions consider their next steps. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has called on the conference to use "all measures available," including suspension or expulsion, if LSU allows the former professional athletes to compete. Sources indicate that other schools have pondered legal challenges in federal court and the possibility of forfeiting games.
