LSU abstains from SEC vote on penalties for programs using pro players
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 8:05 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
LSU did not support the SEC's new penalty structure aimed at programs that field former professional athletes. The abstention from the vote, which passed 15-0, came after LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and president Wade Rousse previously voted in favor of a new rule restricting the eligibility of players from leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and WNBA. LSU's actions align with its aggressive strategy to recruit players from professional ranks, including three potential additions from Ole Miss and Notre Dame. The SEC's penalties involve significant suspensions for coaches and financial repercussions for schools. A preliminary hearing regarding ongoing eligibility cases related to this issue is scheduled for August 31 in Louisiana.
- •LSU abstains from SEC vote on penalties for using pro players.
- •SEC vote passed 15-0 to impose strict penalties on violators.
- •New rules include coach suspensions and financial penalties for schools.
- •LSU actively recruiting former professionals like Dae'Quan Wright.
- •Preliminary injunction hearing on eligibility set for August 31.
- 8:16 PMYahoo Sports — SEC schools — except LSU — approve penalties for signing returning pro athletes
- 8:05 PMCBS Sports — LSU abstains from SEC vote to penalize coaches, schools for playing pro players
"SEC presidents approved stiff penalties to deter schools from signing players with pro experience, with one notable school sitting out: LSU. LSU abstained from Wednesday’s vote on penalties, a source familiar with the vote confirmed. That came a day after the school was part of a unanimous, 16-0 vote to enforce rules against fielding athletes who dropped out of pro leagues. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has recruited at least two players made NCAA eligible by a Louisiana court injunction, and L
"LSU was the only SEC school not to approve of the league's new penalty structure for coaches, schools that play ex-professional players
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 8:16 PMSEC schools — except LSU — approve penalties for signing returning pro athletes
SEC presidents approved stiff penalties to deter schools from signing players with pro experience, with one notable school sitting out: LSU. LSU abstained from Wednesday’s vote on penalties, a source familiar with the vote confirmed. That came a day after the school was part of a unanimous, 16-0 vote to enforce rules against fielding athletes who dropped out of pro leagues. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has recruited at least two players made NCAA eligible by a Louisiana court injunction, and L
- CBS SportsAug 26, 2026, 8:05 PMLSU abstains from SEC vote to penalize coaches, schools for playing pro players
LSU was the only SEC school not to approve of the league's new penalty structure for coaches, schools that play ex-professional players
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