Louisiana judge grants preliminary injunction, clears way for ex-NFL players to join LSU
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
A Louisiana judge has granted a preliminary injunction that allows former NFL signees Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to play at LSU.
A policy established by the SEC prohibits players previously signed to NFL (or other professional football league) rosters from participating in the conference.
Under Thursday’s ruling by Judge William Jorden, though, Wright and Harris are eligible to play at LSU — for now — despite having signed UDFA contracts with NFL teams. Wright initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and, later, the Cleveland Browns. Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints.
The SEC, though, has sued LSU over its intentions. Under the lawsuit, the SEC is arguing that LSU is “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.”
For now, it appears that Wright and Harris will be on the LSU roster when it hosts Clemson on Saturday in Baton Rouge. The SEC has vowed to punish teams that violate its policy. However, Jorden previously ruled on Friday that the conference is not permitted to do so.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
