SEC Schools Approve 50% Budget Fines for Signing Ex-Pros as LSU Abstains
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26
SEC Schools Approve 50% Budget Fines for Signing Ex-Pros as LSU Abstains
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 26
Summary
LSU stood alone in abstaining as SEC presidents approved penalties for any school that signs a returning professional athlete, a day after the league unanimously backed enforcing the ban.
The sanctions issued Wednesday include a half-season coach suspension, a fine equal to 50% of that sport’s annual operating budget, loss of conference voting rights and any further punishment the commissioner and presidents choose.
The move targets a growing eligibility fight after Louisiana and other state-court injunctions let some players return; LSU coaches Lane Kiffin and Will Wade have pursued athletes covered by those rulings.
The SEC and Big Ten both argue the injunctions bind the NCAA, not individual conferences, while players’ lawyers say the SEC’s stance puts the NCAA in contempt and had not sued the league by Wednesday afternoon.