SEC prepares for Louisiana court hearing regarding former professional athlete eligibility

The SEC announced plans to challenge a temporary restraining order issued by a Louisiana judge that prevents the conference from penalizing schools for rostering former professional players. Commissioner Greg Sankey and the conference will contest the order at a hearing in Baton Rouge on Thursday. The underlying league policy bars athletes who have signed professional contracts or appeared on professional rosters from competing, with potential sanctions including half-season coach suspensions and significant school fines. Currently, 42 plaintiffs are involved in the Louisiana litigation, including several players potentially headed to LSU. The SEC maintains that the ruling is a temporary measure and intends to defend its authority as a voluntary association to enforce membership rules. Compliance with the court order remains in effect until the conclusion of the hearing, which occurs just before the LSU season opener against Clemson.

• 11:53 PMCBS Sports — SEC says it will fight Louisiana court order that opened door for former NFL players