Hold up, sports fans, because a Baton Rouge judge just dropped a bomb on the SEC, and it’s shaking up everything! The conference, along with Commissioner Greg Sankey, confirmed to CBS Sports that they are absolutely fighting a temporary restraining order in a Louisiana courtroom this Thursday morning. Why? Because this judge just opened the door wide open for former NFL, NBA, and WNBA players to actually suit up in college this fall, and the SEC is not having it.
The SEC’s Iron-Clad Rules Are Under Fire
This is a full-blown battle for control, folks. Judge William Jorden of the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish issued that temporary restraining order on Friday, specifically barring the SEC from enforcing its rules that ban former professional athletes. Think about it: the SEC’s own rules let them punish schools and coaches for playing anyone who signed a pro contract, appeared on a pro roster, or even declared for a draft without pulling out properly. And get this: just last Tuesday, the SEC’s presidents and chancellors voted a resounding 15-0 to keep that ban firmly in place! Talk about a unified front getting blindsided. Now, not only is their rule on ice, but Judge Jorden also signed a show-cause order, demanding the SEC and NCAA explain in court on Thursday why their penalties don’t put them in contempt of court. The SEC says it will comply with the order for now, but they’re ready to contest everything and defend their rights as a “voluntary association.”
LSU’s Roster Just Got a Potential Turbo Boost
This whole drama has turned into a direct, head-to-head battle with LSU, and if this court order holds, their roster could get absolutely loaded. We’re talking about potentially three former pros joining the team this season! Jack Pyburn, who just led the NFL in preseason sacks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before getting waived, is now expected to sign with LSU if no other team picks him up. Pyburn, who spent three seasons at Florida before finishing 2025 at LSU, is actually the fourth plaintiff in this Louisiana case, and he intends to play for LSU if he doesn’t make an NFL roster this fall. And there’s more: Dae’Quan Wright, the former Ole Miss tight end waived by the Browns, and Zxavian Harris, a 6-foot-8 defensive tackle who started all 15 games for Ole Miss last season before signing with the Saints, both intend to follow coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge. On top of that, former Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who didn’t sign a pro deal, committed on August 21 after getting a fifth year of eligibility.
So, buckle up for Thursday morning! That’s when the SEC and Commissioner Sankey are set to contest these allegations in court. This isn’t just about a rule; it’s about the very power structure of college sports. LSU is waiting, ready to potentially snag some game-changing talent, while the SEC fights for its right to uphold its traditions. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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