Lane Kiffin, LSU send clear message to SEC over NFL players

Lane Kiffin is already turning heads in his tenure at LSU, but not in a good way. 

The Tigers signed former NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Kiffin was their former coach at Ole Miss just a season ago, but things could get a little tricky for the reunion.

In two seasons, Wright accumulated 1,000 receiving yards while playing under Kiffin at Ole Miss. Harris spent all four years with the Rebels and played in 52 games, 25 of which he started. He racked up 122 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception, and 3 pass breakups. Not to mention, Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge Jack Pyburn will return to sU if not on an NFL roster by September 1. Kiffin is playing by his own rules now.

On Tuesday, the SEC released a statement on social media regarding the matter at hand. “Individuals who choose to leave college and sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition,” the statement read. 

Both Wright and Zxavian competed for NFL roster spots this summer and were cut and decided to come play to play for Kiffin. To take it a step further, Wright also suited up in a preseason game with the Browns. They were both granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA by a Louisiana judge to receive a fifth year of eligibility after the NCAA changed its eligibility rules, according to USA TODAY Sports. 

According to multiple sources, teams in violation of the SEC’s new rules will receive several harsh penalties, including a 50% season suspension for head coaches, 50% cut to that sport's annual operating budget and revoked SEC voting privileges.

MORE: Demond Williams bombshell could have resulted in Lane Kiffin being fired by LSU

Kiffin addressed his thought process behind his decision by saying, "Either going to play for you or they're going to play for someone else around the country," he said. Kiffin was heavily scrutinized for leaving Ole Miss right before the CFP, and now he may just be adding fuel to the fire. This is in no way fair to college football by signing players who have gotten any sort of professional experience to suit up for a college football program. 

A scary future is near if this occurs this season. Imagine an 18-year-old freshman comes to campus thinking he’s getting a chance to compete for a spot on the roster, only to be faced with a guy who just left school, got drafted by an NFL team, experienced professional competition, and played in a game, then decided to come back and play in college.

Kiffin basically just said, “Oh well,” with the signing of his two former players. It’s a messed-up situation. No matter what conferences do, players can still sue to regain their eligibility even after signing a professional contract and suiting up to play in games. 

Where does this leave the sport if this becomes a more popular trend? 

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