Tennessee Chancellor, President Of The SEC Executive Committee, Says League "Won't Budge"

The SEC appears to be digging in as its ongoing eligibility battle involving LSU and former NFL players heads toward a pivotal court hearing on Thursday.

Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman, president of the SEC's executive committee, told ESPN on Tuesday that conference leaders remain united behind the rule prohibiting players who signed professional contracts from returning to college.

"We have a responsibility to try and lead the best we can in this time of chaos," Plowman said. "Our group is united on this. This is not a rule we will budge on."

Plowman added: "Enough is enough."

The comments come as LSU awaits more clarity on the eligibility of former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, both of whom signed NFL contracts before pursuing an opportunity to return to college.

A Louisiana judge previously issued a temporary restraining order preventing the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey from enforcing the rule against players involved in the lawsuit. A hearing on a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Thursday in Baton Rouge.

"It's not a new rule," Plowman said. "We didn't just cook up a rule."

SEC presidents and chancellors have also authorized significant penalties for programs that violate the policy.

When asked by ESPN whether the situation could ultimately escalate to LSU being suspended or expelled from the SEC, Plowman called that an "extraordinary step," but acknowledged the option exists in the conference handbook.

"We are prepared to defend our rules and our authority to defend our rules," Plowman said.

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