Judge grants injunction allowing athletes a fifth year of eligibility

East Baton Rouge 19th District Court Judge Will Jorden granted a preliminary injunction on September 3 allowing 31 college athletes to play a fifth season of eligibility. The ruling challenges established SEC rules regarding former professional athletes participating in collegiate programs. The court order specifically protects LSU from sanctions for rostering tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond criticized the decision, stating the ruling undermines established league standards and fairness. Meanwhile, Cleveland County District Judge Thad Balkman issued a temporary restraining order allowing eight other athletes, including Oklahoma defensive tackle Danny Saili and first baseman Dayton Tockey, to remain eligible pending a future injunction hearing. The SEC announced plans to appeal the Louisiana court's decision, maintaining that member universities should not roster former professional athletes.

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