Earlier this week, the SEC voted to adopt a new rule that established severe penalties for teams that signed players with previous professional experience. This group includes players who signed professional contracts, appeared on professional rosters or entered drafts without withdrawing within a certain timeframe. The penalties include a half-season suspension for the head coach of a team that signs a former professional athlete, a fine equivalent to 50% of the team's annual operating budget and revocation of league voting rights, according to ESPN.
The new rule was in response to a series of court rulings and restraining orders that have granted a handful of athletes fifth seasons of NCAA eligibility. For example, LSU signed tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris after both players participated in NFL training camps. The SEC, along with the other three Power 4 conferences, adopted rules that prohibit players like Wright and Harris from playing college football this season.
A temporary restraining order signed by a Louisiana state judge on Friday prohibits the SEC from enforcing penalties against teams that sign former professional athletes, according to ESPN. Additionally, the judge signed a show-cause order that requires the SEC and NCAA to explain how the new penalties do not put them in contempt of court nor violate the judge's previous ruling in the case. The SEC and NCAA will have to explain this during a court hearing on Thursday.
The SEC reportedly communicated with attorneys that it will comply with court orders allowing former professional athletes to sign with teams inside the conference, per On3. This will likely remain on an ongoing battle all season between the NCAA, Power 4 conferences and former professional athletes. Therefore, it is expected for eligibility statuses of certain players to continue to change over the season.
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