A Louisiana judge ruled in favor of LSU, issuing a preliminary injunction that allows the Tigers to add two former NFL players to their roster ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Clemson.
East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden granted the request just over 48 hours before the showdown with the No. 1-ranked Tigers.
The SEC Vows to Continue Fighting
Despite the temporary relief for LSU, the Southeastern Conference issued a statement indicating it is not giving up on its ban against former professional athletes. The organization clarified that the order against it is a temporary restraining order, not a final ruling on the merits of the eligibility dispute.
Ripple Effects Across the SEC
The immediate victory for LSU has sparked concern among other conference members. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr called on other SEC member institutions to take matters into their own hands if LSU allows former professional athletes to play.
Sources told CBS Sports that other SEC schools have pondered a legal challenge in federal court and possible forfeiture of games should the precedent set by Louisiana hold.
What Remains Uncertain
The final number of games former pros will be eligible to play remains to be seen as the matter continues working its way through the courts. While Lane Kiffin’s chances of fielding former NFL players improved Thursday night, the legal landscape for college football eligibility is far from settled.