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The Southeastern Conference will suspend head coaches for half a season if their programs roster certain former professional players. The new SEC former pro player rule also carries major financial and administrative penalties for member schools.
SEC Former Pro Player Rule Brings Major Penalties
SEC presidents and chancellors approved the penalty structure Wednesday, Aug. 26. The vote passed 15-0, while LSU abstained, according to CBS Sports.
A violation will result in a suspension covering 50% of the head coach’s season. The school will also face a fine equal to 50% of that sport’s annual operating budget.
Additionally, the conference can revoke the school’s voting privileges on SEC business matters. Commissioner Greg Sankey and conference leaders may impose further penalties when appropriate.
The punishments support a policy approved one day earlier by all 16 SEC schools. That policy restricts certain former professional football and basketball players from returning to college competition.
Which Players Does the SEC Policy Cover?
The SEC rule applies to athletes who signed contracts with the NFL or another professional football league. It also covers players who appeared on professional rosters.
Football players who entered the NFL draft without properly withdrawing may also fall under the restriction. The basketball policy includes the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and affiliated organizations.
The SEC’s policy goes further than the Big Ten’s initial rule, which focused on football. Both conferences acted shortly before the start of the college football season.
The restrictions do not necessarily cover athletes who only attended a professional tryout. Eligibility depends on whether the player signed a contract, appeared on a roster or took another covered action.
Court Rulings Created New Eligibility Questions
The policy follows several court decisions involving college eligibility. Some judges have allowed athletes from the 2022 recruiting class to seek a fifth college season.
Those rulings created an unusual situation. Players could sign professional contracts, get released and then attempt to return to college competition.
Former St. John’s basketball standout R.J. Luis Jr. received a preliminary injunction allowing him to join LSU. He had previously been under contract with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics.
LSU also pursued former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. Both signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents before their release during training camp.
LSU football coach Lane Kiffin argued that schools were following court orders granting players additional eligibility. However, the SEC maintains separate authority over competition within its conference.
SEC Joins Push to Protect College Rosters
Conference officials said the return of former professionals could reduce opportunities for current college athletes and high school recruits. They also raised concerns about competitive balance.
Sources also state that the Big Ten adopted a similar ban. The ACC and Big 12 were also expected to discuss the issue.
Legal challenges remain possible because some affected athletes have already won temporary relief in state courts. Those cases could determine how much authority conferences have over players declared eligible elsewhere.
For now, SEC programs face a clear choice. Adding a covered former professional could cost the head coach half a season and the school millions of dollars.