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LSU omits former NFL players from roster amid SEC legal battle
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s debut against Clemson was marked by a legal and administrative standoff regarding player eligibility. Despite a Louisiana judge issuing a preliminary injunction that allows former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to be eligible for college football, LSU chose not to include them on the official roster for the season opener.
Kiffin stated the decision was made in the best interest of the university due to legal uncertainties. The move follows a federal lawsuit filed by the SEC against LSU, alleging the school violated the conference’s right of expressive association by attempting to recruit professional athletes. Clemson general counsel Chip Hood also warned LSU that fielding ineligible players could breach contractual obligations between the two institutions.
While Wright and Harris remained off the roster, LSU did add former Notre Dame defender Junior Tuihalamaka, whose eligibility situation differed as he had not participated in NFL training camps. The season opener at Tiger Stadium also faced delays due to severe lightning and weather in the Baton Rouge area.
Entities
Clemson · Dae’quan Wright · LSU · Lane Kiffin · NCAA · SEC · Zxavian Harris
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] LSU omitted Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris from its official roster for the season opener against Clemson. www.supertalk.fm · world-today-journal.com · www.andthevalleyshook.com · www.hottytoddy.com · bleacherreport.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The SEC filed a federal lawsuit in Alabama against LSU, Lane Kiffin, and other officials, alleging violations of the conference's right of expressive association. www.supertalk.fm · world-today-journal.com · www.andthevalleyshook.com · www.hottytoddy.com · bleacherreport.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] LSU submitted a roster containing 103 players for the Clemson game, leaving two spots open to potentially add players later. www.andthevalleyshook.com · fansided.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Clemson general counsel Chip Hood warned LSU that playing ineligible players could breach the contractual obligations between the two schools. world-today-journal.com · www.essentiallysports.com · bleacherreport.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] LSU head coach Lane Kiffin stated the decision to leave the players off the roster was made in the best interest of the university due to legal uncertainties. www.hottytoddy.com · www.supertalk.fm · fansided.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Attorney Ryan Downton, representing Wright and Harris, threatened to seek a contempt of court charge against LSU for not rostering the players. world-today-journal.com · fansided.com · www.hottytoddy.com
- [● 8 SOURCES] A Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction allowing former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to be eligible for college football. www.supertalk.fm · world-today-journal.com · slapthesign.com · www.essentiallysports.com · www.hottytoddy.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Former Notre Dame defender Junior Tuihalamaka was added to the LSU roster, distinguishing him from Wright and Harris who had NFL experience. slapthesign.com