SEC contests court ruling on player eligibility regarding professional athletes

The SEC is challenging a temporary restraining order issued by a Baton Rouge judge that prevents the conference from penalizing member institutions for signing players with professional experience. The legal dispute centers on LSU commitments Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, both of whom previously declared for the NFL Draft and spent time with professional organizations. Although the players regained college eligibility following a court ruling, the SEC maintains its authority as a voluntary association to uphold its internal rules regarding professional athletes. Commissioner Greg Sankey is prepared to defend the conference's policies at a scheduled court hearing. This litigation serves as a broader test of whether athletic conferences retain the power to enforce uniform standards when individual players challenge regulations through the judicial system.

• 2:00 AMYahoo Sports — SEC’s fight to block former pros could decide how college football enforces rules