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Big Ten Plans to Address Eligibility After TE Waived by NFL Team Intends to Join LSU, AP Source Says
The conference would bar players who declared for the NFL draft, joined a roster or signed a pro contract from returning to Big Ten teams.
On Tuesday, the Big Ten is set to pass a rule prohibiting players who declared for the NFL draft, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed pro contracts from joining any Big Ten school.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin prompted the action by recruiting Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who secured an unexpected fifth year of eligibility through a Louisiana court order bypassing standard NCAA rules.
The NCAA stated that court-granted eligibility rulings have a "destabilizing effect" on college sports; the regulation applies to any athlete who has participated in pro leagues to maintain competitive equity.
Meanwhile, the Southeastern Conference stated Monday that it firmly opposes professional athletes returning to college competition, while the ACC and Big 12 are reportedly exploring similar bans on professional players.
Facing ongoing eligibility confusion, the SEC is calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act to establish national standards and ensure a level playing field for student-athletes.