Stephen A. Smith criticizes Lane Kiffin over LSU eligibility controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 1:33 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin is facing scrutiny regarding his decision to add former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to the roster. The move follows a Louisiana court ruling that permitted certain players to return to college football, a practice that has drawn public criticism from coaches including Dabo Swinney and Steve Sarkisian. Appearing on ESPN’s College GameDay, Stephen A. Smith advised Kiffin to stop attempting to justify the roster additions as a moral endeavor and instead focus on preparing for the team's upcoming opener against Clemson. Kiffin previously stated that he consulted the LSU leadership council, whose members expressed support for the additions, before moving forward. While Wright has joined team practices, he remains ineligible for the game against Clemson while completing a mandatory seven-day acclimatization period. The controversy persists as LSU prepares for its season debut in Baton Rouge.
- •Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris joined LSU following releases from NFL teams.
- •A Louisiana court ruling enabled the return of athletes from the 2022 recruiting class.
- •Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and Texas coach Steve Sarkisian criticized the practice.
- •Wright is ineligible for the season opener against Clemson during an acclimatization period.
- •Stephen A. Smith suggested Kiffin avoid public justification for his personnel decisions.
- 1:33 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Tells Lane Kiffin to Stop Pretending to Be a “Paragon of Virtue” After LSU HC’s Damage Control Attempt
"Lane Kiffin has barely had time to settle into his new job at LSU, yet the head coach has already found himself at the center of one of college football’s strangest controversies. LSU is ranked No.
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