Judge allows NFL players to return to LSU in bombshell decision

The college eligibility pendulum has swung toward the side of the players — at least for the moment.

On the same day that the SEC filed a lawsuit against LSU, alleging the school is violating conference rules in its attempt to bring in players previously signed to NFL rosters, a judge in Louisiana sided with the players to allow them to return to the NCAA, according to multiple reports.

East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden issued the preliminary injunction on Thursday night that allows LSU to bring in Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris — both of whom were in NFL training camps this summer.

ESPN reported that the SEC plans to file an appeal of Jorden’s decision.

Just hours earlier, the SEC filed a lawsuit against LSU, athletic director Verge Ausberry and head coach Lane Kiffin in Alabama, alleging that they “waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes.”

The SEC is seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop the defendants from violating the conference’s First Amendment rights by making it “associate with conduct that is contrary to the conference’s purpose and mission,” the Associated Press reported.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey testified in Baton Rouge on Thursday, making clear he and the conference believe there needs to be a difference between pro and college sports. The Big Ten and ACC previously moved to ban former NFL players from coming back to the conferences, while the Big 12 announced it would ban all professional athletes from competing in any sport.

“The line between professional sports and college sports needs to be maintained,” Sankey said Thursday, according to the AP.

Harris and Wright are among the 40-plus athletes across the sports spectrum who are suing the NCAA to gain a fifth year of eligibility.

Wright, who spent time with the Browns and Eagles this summer, previously played at Ole Miss under Kiffin, who is now in his first year as LSU’s coach. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Thursday night that he not only expects to be added to LSU’s roster, but that he’ll play Saturday in the Tigers’ season opener against Clemson.

The Worldwide Leader also reported that Harris, a defensive lineman who was with the Saints, intends to join LSU this season.

LSU has until Friday to finalize its roster.

Kiffin, at the end of August, explained why his recruiting included players who were at one time on NFL rosters.

“We have, you know, made a decision to recruit some kids around the country, and through these multiple injunctions around the country, which, this is not a first time in college sports, players were granted a fifth year of eligibility in multiple sports,” Kiffin told reporters. “And through them winning their injunction and entry into the portal, they’re available to recruit. So ourselves, like many places around the country, are recruiting them.

“At the end of the day, because of these rulings, they’re either going to play for you or they’re going to play somewhere else around the country. We made a decision to recruit them, like probably most people are.”