Eight words at halftime, and a conference vote on Thursday
It started with a throwaway line into a sideline microphone.
On Tuesday morning the SEC filed an amended complaint in federal court in northern Alabama. The targets: Louisiana State, head coach Lane Kiffin, and several university officials. What the conference wants is not a fine or a reprimand. It wants the legal right to throw LSU out.
The filing puts a meeting of presidents and chancellors on the calendar for Thursday, with one item on the agenda. Ending LSU’s membership. Two-thirds of the room has to say yes. The SEC has also asked for an emergency order barring LSU and its lawyers from disrupting that meeting.
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“Imagine if we had pro players”
Kiffin could not resist. Saturday, halftime against Clemson, his Tigers up 31-3, an ABC reporter putting a mic in front of him. Out came the line. LSU went on to win 51-10.
The target was Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, two players who had been on NFL contracts and were now back in college football. The SEC put the quote straight into its complaint, calling it proof of a “lack of institutional control at the university level, including a complete failure to control Coach Kiffin’s actions.” According to the conference, LSU’s president and athletic director said nothing while their coach kept going.
The courtroom part is bigger than the football part
Judge William Jorden granted a preliminary injunction last Thursday that cleared the way for Wright and Harris despite the NFL camps they attended this summer. Forty-two athletes across all sports fall under that ruling, a consequence of the NCAA’s new 5-for-5 eligibility system.
Wright signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent, got claimed by the Browns, then released. Harris signed with the Saints and was cut in early August. Both played for Kiffin at Ole Miss last season.
The SEC voted 15-0 to let commissioner Greg Sankey sanction any member school that recruits players who have been through the NFL. A half-season suspension for the coach, and a fine equal to half the football budget. LSU abstained.
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