The controversy about the LSU Tigers potentially adding former NFL players to their roster has eased, but the fallout may not be. LSU and coach Lane Kiffin backed down from adding former NFL signees Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, and the SEC has similarly backed off a threat to potentially expel the school from the conference. That said, not everyone is happy with the lack of punishment, especially for Kiffin.
As reported by John Brice, Blake Toppmeyer, Cory Diaz and Matt Hayes of USA Today, "a senior SEC football administrator said conference leaders believe some form of punishment remains necessary." For Kiffin, those possible punishments could include a very personally hurtful option. "Several" SEC officials told USA Today that they viewed the Big Ten's punishment of then-Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh in 2023 as a possible guide. In that season, Harbaugh was suspended three games as part of the investigation into sign stealing by the Wolverines, something conference officials said violated the principles of sportsmanship.
That suspension included the Ohio State game, the Wolverines' biggest rival and thus a very tough game to miss. So for Kiffin, what would be the equivalent? It's the Sept. 19 game in Oxford, Mississippi, when Kiffin returns to his former school, Ole Miss, for the first time.
"The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh from the Ohio State game," a source told the reporters. "I think that can be done." " I hope they'll suspend Lane," another administrator said. "If not, he won't feel it and won't care." Other officials thought perhaps a monetary penalty would be more appropriate.
"They talked about if you rostered them (the players who last month were NFL camps), it's a big fine," an administrator said. "I don't see a problem with that (being applied)." Not everyone, though, agrees on what the severity of the punishment should be. "I am just glad they're not taking it further," an administrator said.
"You could argue Lane should be suspended for two SEC games, but I ain't standing on the table for it." It remains to be seen what punishment — if any — will be levied at Kiffin or LSU. That said, if the SEC wants to make that punishment hurt, they're running out of time with just over a week left until that return to Oxford.
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