The Southeastern Conference is taking action in response to LSU recruiting players with professional football and basketball experience.
The SEC has enacted a policy prohibiting football and basketball programs from having players on their rosters who previously appeared on an NFL, NBA, G League or WNBA rosters.
The vote was reportedly 16-0, meaning LSU voted in favor of the new policy.
The policy could have an immediate impact on the Tigers. Dea’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris and RJ Luis would all be ineligible to play for LSU under the new rule.
Wright, a former Ole Miss tight end, was competing for a roster spot with the Cleveland Browns during training camp last week before he was released. He is committed to play football at LSU.
Harris, a former Ole Miss defensive lineman, signed with the New Orleans Saints earlier this month. However, he was released after never practicing with the team because of a foot injury. Harris is also committed to LSU.
Luis is a basketball commitment for LSU head coach Will Wade. A Baton Rouge judge ruled in Luis' favor earlier this week, clearing the way for him to play for the Tigers this season.
But the SEC's new policy would make Luis ineligible because he previously signed professional contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics.
LSU has not publicly responded to the SEC's new policy.
LSU president Wade Rouse and athletic director Verge Ausberry were attending the celebration of life ceremony for legendary Tigers baseball coach Skip Bertman Tuesday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
It remains to be seen how LSU will respond and whether Rouse will allow Wright, Harris and Luis to play for the Tigers despite the SEC's new policy.
According to On3's Andy Staples, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has broad authority to punish a school that violates the ban on former professional players. Potential penalties include suspensions from competition, fines and forfeiture of games.
The legal battle could also continue.
Attorneys who have represented the players in their efforts to gain eligibility told Yahoo Sports college football reporter Ross Dellenger that they are prepared to return to court. The attorneys contend the SEC policy would violate existing court orders.
That could set up another legal showdown involving LSU, the SEC and the eligibility of former professional athletes.
And the timing could hardly be more significant.
LSU's football season begins in less than two weeks, while the Tigers' basketball team currently has only four officially eligible players on its roster with classes beginning this week.
The latest SEC policy adds another major chapter to an already complicated eligibility battle — and for LSU, the clock is ticking.
