SEC Files New Brief Ahead Of LSU Eligibility Hearing, Greg Sankey Defends Former-Pro Ban

The SEC filed a new brief with a Louisiana court on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge over the ongoing eligibility dispute involving LSU and former professional players.

According to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger, the filing includes an affidavit from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and lays out the conference's argument for why it should maintain the authority to enforce its eligibility rules against member schools.

The SEC also argues that Sankey should not be held personally liable in the case.

In his affidavit, Sankey explained why the conference remains opposed to former professional players returning to college rosters.

"Each roster spot filled by a former pro athlete is a roster spot that becomes unavailable to a high school student-athlete or another less-developed athlete who would benefit from the educational & athletic growth opportunities uniquely available through college sports," Sankey said.

The filing comes one day before Thursday's key hearing in Baton Rouge, where a judge will consider whether to extend the current court protection preventing the SEC from enforcing its new eligibility rules and associated penalties.

LSU has been at the center of the dispute as the Tigers explore adding former NFL players to their roster. Lane Kiffin has maintained that LSU will follow whatever SEC rules are ultimately enforceable once the court provides further clarity.

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