LSU eases SEC standoff as expulsion threat recedes

LSU has stepped back from its legal standoff with the Southeastern Conference, ending its effort to roster former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris and agreeing not to challenge a conference meeting that could have considered the university’s expulsion.

LSU president Wade Rousse told SEC commissioner Greg Sankey that the university would not challenge, disrupt or seek to postpone the meeting. The school subsequently locked its 105-player roster without Wright and Harris, despite a Louisiana judge allowing the pair to pursue a fifth college season after they signed professional contracts.

The decision followed an amended SEC lawsuit that argued continued association with LSU could cause irreparable harm to the conference. A federal hearing on the SEC’s request for a temporary restraining order was postponed, with no replacement date announced.

Yahoo Sports reported that the possible expulsion discussion had been removed from the meeting agenda. That claim has not been independently established, and LSU has not been expelled. The SEC’s next steps, including whether it will pursue fines, suspensions or other consequences, remain unclear.

The dispute has cooled as LSU and coach Lane Kiffin begin the season 1–0 after a 51–10 win over Clemson. LSU is scheduled to play Louisiana Tech before visiting Ole Miss on 19 September.