Clemson officials just threw a massive wrench into LSU’s Saturday game plans, flat-out telling them that putting former professional football players on the field could totally violate an existing agreement between the two universities. This isn’t some back-and-forth chatter; it’s a direct notification about their 2018 contract, and it’s making waves just days before kickoff.
The 2018 Agreement LSU Might Have Forgotten
Yeah, you heard that right. Clemson’s General Counsel, W.C. Hood Jr., sent a message to LSU, confirmed by an LSU spokesperson, pointing right to a section of their 2018 football agreement. This part of the deal spells out that player and coach eligibility has to be determined by NCAA rules, conference rules, *and* each university’s own rules that are in place on game day. Hood is crystal clear: Clemson believes this part of the agreement is still in full effect, regardless of any ongoing legal fights over former pros returning to college sports. He even wrote that this provision creates a “contractual obligation between the two parties which is not relieved by the ongoing disputes.” Clemson’s backing the NCAA and their conferences on the whole “professional athletes returning to college football” issue, too. Talk about a pre-game curveball!
Legal Battles Heating Up Before Kickoff
This whole contract drama drops right into the middle of some serious legal battles. LSU, the SEC, and several athletes are all tangled up in court fights over whether former professional players can actually return to college football. Just this past Thursday, a Baton Rouge judge granted a preliminary injunction for student-athletes looking for another year of eligibility. That decision could potentially clear the way for former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright to suit up for LSU. But wait, there’s more: the SEC has also filed its own federal lawsuit against LSU over the university’s push to bring these former pros back. Despite all this off-field chaos, Clemson is still gearing up to play Saturday, with Hood saying their program and fans are “looking forward to visiting your university and the city of Baton Rouge this weekend.”
So, as Saturday approaches, the biggest question isn’t just about Xs and Os, but who even gets to wear a uniform for LSU. Will they risk violating that 2018 agreement, or will some players be sidelined just hours before the game? It’s going to be a wild one down in Baton Rouge, and we’ll be watching to see how this plays out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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