Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, both former professional players, will not suit up for LSU’s season opener against Clemson in Baton Rouge, despite a Louisiana judge issuing an injunction that explicitly opened the door for them to compete. LSU coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Saturday the Tigers’ official roster does not include the two players, a decision fraught with major implications for the entire LSU football program right as the new season kicks off.
Kiffin’s Tough Call Amidst Legal Threats
Kiffin made it clear this wasn’t a simple choice, grappling with the conflict between doing right by his players and protecting the Tigers’ future. “That wasn’t easy,” Kiffin stated, recognizing the broader fight. He added, “As much as I feel for the players… I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters.” Imagine being a coach, knowing players could legally play, but having to pull the plug. It’s a gut-wrenching spot to be in. Yet, Kiffin ultimately weighed his responsibility to the program, stating, “But at the same time, I’m the head coach of LSU and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program, with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster.” That “big picture” decision is all about dodging a massive bullet.
The “Uncertainties” Were Anything But Minor
Those “uncertainties” Kiffin mentioned weren’t just vague concerns; they were concrete threats from major players. The SEC, for starters, had warned its schools about “potentially significant penalties” for including former NFL players on a college roster. Not only that, the SEC recently took legal action directly against LSU regarding this very issue. And if that wasn’t enough, Clemson, LSU’s opponent for Saturday night, threw its own warning into the mix. They cautioned that using former professional players could violate the contract governing the matchup, potentially creating another legal headache for LSU before a single snap was even played. Wright, a former Ole Miss tight end, had a stint with the Cleveland Browns after being claimed off waivers, while Harris, a former Ole Miss defensive tackle, signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent before his release. Their professional experience, ironically, became the very hurdle to their collegiate eligibility here.
What’s Next for Wright, Harris, and the Tigers?
LSU submitted a 103-player roster, meaning there are still two available spots, and Wright and Harris are currently enrolled at the university. This leaves the door ajar for the possibility that either player could still be added later this season, but for now, the issue is firmly settled for the big game against Clemson on Saturday night. It’ll be intriguing to see how LSU navigates this opening week without them and if Kiffin’s strategic move pays off in the long run by avoiding those severe SEC penalties. What a way to kick off the season, right? All eyes will be on Baton Rouge to see how this plays out for LSU.
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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