Judge Axon hears arguments in federal SEC lawsuit against LSU

U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon is set to preside over a federal hearing in Birmingham on Wednesday, Sept. 9, regarding a lawsuit between the SEC and LSU. The conference is seeking an injunction to prevent the university from rostering athletes who have signed professional NFL contracts, arguing this violates the league’s First Amendment rights of expressive association. The SEC also filed an amended request for a temporary restraining order on Tuesday, Sept. 8, aiming to block any interference with a meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, where conference members intend to vote on the removal of LSU. Ahead of the proceedings, LSU adjusted its roster to comply with the 105-player limit by excluding players previously involved in litigation against the NCAA. Judge Axon, a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, recently oversaw a defamation trial involving former Alabama basketball player Kai Spears.

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