LSU Does Not Add Former NFL Players to Roster Following Legal Decision

Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, two LSU football players who previously spent time with NFL teams, were not added to the Tigers’ roster ahead of their season opener against Clemson, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The decision came after a legal victory for the players on Thursday night when East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden issued a preliminary injunction in their favor, allowing them to be eligible to play. However, LSU had until Friday night to finalize its roster, which currently includes 103 players. Wright, a tight end who trained with the Eagles and Browns, and Harris, a defensive lineman who worked with the Saints, are part of a group of over 40 athletes seeking a fifth year of eligibility in college athletics. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) had previously filed a lawsuit against LSU, its athletic director Verge Ausberry, and head coach Lane Kiffin, claiming they engaged in a coordinated effort to recruit professional athletes. Following the injunction, the SEC expressed disagreement with the ruling, stating that member universities should not include former professional athletes on their rosters. Additionally, Clemson raised concerns that LSU could be violating contractual obligations if the two players participated in the game, although they confirmed plans to proceed with the matchup. The Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 have also joined the SEC in efforts to prohibit former NFL players from returning to college football, with the Big 12 proposing a ban on all professional athletes in any sport. Wright and Harris previously played at Ole Miss under Kiffin, who is set to coach his first game with LSU on Saturday.