SEC and LSU head to federal court over professional player eligibility

The SEC and LSU enter a federal court hearing Thursday in Louisiana to address a dispute regarding the eligibility of three former professional football players. The athletes, part of a larger group of 40, previously secured a temporary restraining order in a Baton Rouge court allowing them to join the LSU roster despite a conference rule banning former professional players. SEC member schools voted 15-0, with LSU abstaining, to empower Commissioner Greg Sankey to issue punishments, including potential fines or suspensions. The conference stated it will comply with the current order while continuing to contest the underlying legal challenges. Beyond the court ruling, the College Football Playoff organization is considering bans for any school that fields players ineligible under NCAA guidelines. LSU is required to finalize its roster this Friday ahead of a scheduled matchup against Clemson.

• 8:33 PMCBS Sports — The brewing battle between the SEC and LSU heats up ahead of Thursday's much-anticipated court hearing