SEC files lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin and more

During the ongoing court hearing in Louisiana, the news broke while Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, was on the stand, Pete Thamel reports.

As previously reported, there was a court hearing scheduled in Louisiana for Thursday, Sep 3, where a judge is set to review the original eligibility case that gave a group of college players a restriction order against the NCAA a few weeks ago.

The Lane Kiffin and LSU dilemma

It's been a back-and-forth between the SEC and LSU the past couple of days, after the SEC announced a new policy banning professional athletes from returning to the conference.

The SEC argues that LSU orchestrated an operation to recruit players for them, asking for the ban on professionals in college sports.

“Enter a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendants from violating the Conference’s First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference’s purpose and mission.”

“Defendants waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes to play football for LSU during the 2026-27 season,

"Including players who had signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.” Said the SEC on the complaint filed on Thursday.

If the original restricting order stays in place, LSU would have legal grounds to play Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Davis, former Ole Miss and NFL players.

LSU will start their season against Clemson in Baton Rouge this Saturday.

Analysis: When will this end?

Ana Gonzalez, DAZN NFL and CFB writer

This whole mess started when the NCAA included the class of 2022 for the newly granted fifth year of eligibility.

I understand both arguments: on one side, you were 'stripped' of one extra year in college, but on the other, you're coming in with professional experience (even if it was 'just' training camp and preseason games) and taking an 18-year-old's place on the team.

However, if you're pro, you're pro. We'll see how today's hearing ends, and if it gives Wright and Davis the right to play on Saturday, but this won't end soon nor in a good note.

See it however you want, but if LSU has a good season, it will always be tainted by this.

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