Texas Judge Blocks SEC Ban on Former Professional Athletes
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A temporary restraining order prevents the SEC from penalizing schools that play former pros, including current NFL roster players.
A Texas judge has issued temporary restraining orders against the SEC, the NCAA, and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, blocking the conference's attempt to penalize schools and coaches that play former professional athletes, according to CBS Sports.
The ruling follows a unanimous SEC vote earlier in the week to ban professional athletes from returning to college. CBS Sports reports that 15 of 16 member institutions voted to implement strict penalties for defying the ban, with LSU being the only school to abstain from that specific vote. The approved penalty structure includes a financial penalty equal to 50% of the sport's operating budget and a suspension of the head coach for 50% of the season.
According to reporting from @TexasTrialGroup via CBS Sports, double-digit football players were granted TROs, making them eligible to enter the transfer portal and play this season. Among those granted relief are Dallas Cowboys receiver Jordan Hudson and Kansas City Chiefs players receiver Omari Evans and linebacker Wesley Bissainthe.
CBS Sports notes that this is the first legal challenge to the policy, though a Louisiana eligibility lawsuit involving three former Ole Miss players—including defensive tackle Xzavian Harris and tight end Dae'Quan Wright, both of whom have committed to LSU—has been amended to include Sankey and the SEC. While the Big 12, ACC, and Big Ten have also voted to impose tough penalties on teams playing former professionals, CBS Sports reports they have not yet faced legal challenges.