SEC sets severe penalties for schools bringing professional players back

27/08/202610:11

Coaches could be suspended for half a season, while schools face fines equal to 50% of a sport’s annual budget and the loss of conference voting rights

The SEC has established severe penalties for schools that add athletes who have previously joined the NFL, NBA or WNBA. The sanctions were confirmed by a 15-0 vote, with LSU abstaining, after the original ban was unanimously approved.

Penalties include a half-season suspension for the head coach, a fine equal to 50% of the sport’s annual budget and the revocation of conference voting rights. Commissioner Greg Sankey has also been authorized to impose additional sanctions.

The policy follows court orders secured by Dae’Quan Wright and RJ Luis Jr., who are both attempting to compete for LSU. It remains unclear whether the school will challenge the SEC restrictions by keeping them or decide to move on from the players.