SEC Bans Former NFL, NBA, WNBA Players at 16 Schools as Big Ten Extends 18-School Crackdown
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 26
SEC Bans Former NFL, NBA, WNBA Players at 16 Schools as Big Ten Extends 18-School Crackdown
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 26
Summary
The SEC approved a conference-wide ban Tuesday on former NFL, NBA and WNBA players using a fifth year of eligibility, tightening rules across its 16 schools and casting immediate doubt on LSU's plan to add two ex-NFL players.
The move follows the Big Ten's unanimous action and is driven by recent court rulings that let some athletes seek a fifth season after signing pro contracts or exhausting prior NCAA eligibility limits.
SEC penalties are expected to mirror the NCAA's ghost-transfer rule, with possible coach suspensions for 50% of games and fines equal to 20% of a school's football budget; Commissioner Greg Sankey will have broad enforcement authority.
The Big 12 is weighing a similar policy and the ACC meets Wednesday, signaling power conferences are building their own enforcement system as they press Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act.