SEC maintains rule banning professional athletes from competing in college

The SEC remains committed to its long-standing rule prohibiting professional athletes from participating in conference sports. Donde Plowman, president of the SEC’s executive committee, confirmed on Sept. 1 that the league will continue to defend its policy against professional players returning to college programs. This stance arrives as LSU faces scrutiny for signing players who previously held professional contracts. While a Louisiana state judge issued a temporary restraining order that prevented the conference from enforcing the rule, the SEC maintains it has the authority as a voluntary organization to set its own membership standards. A court hearing is set for Sept. 3 in Baton Rouge to determine if a preliminary injunction will be issued. The conference has previously voted to impose sanctions on schools that roster former professional athletes, including the suspension of coaches and the loss of program funding.

• 11:37 PMYahoo Sports — SEC says it will stand by rule banning pro players from competing