Louisiana Judge Rules Against NCAA in Ex-NFL Player Eligibility Case

A Louisiana judge has issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in a high-profile eligibility case involving former NFL players. Judge William Jorden's ruling on Thursday night allows Louisiana State University (LSU) to include several former professional players on its roster ahead of the team's submission deadline to the Southeastern Conference.

The decision clears the way for LSU to list former NFL players, although the number of games they may be eligible to play remains to be determined as the case progresses through the courts. Attorney Tony Clayton, representing the athletes, emphasized that the ruling was about "treating these kids fairly" and not solely about coach Lane Kiffin or LSU.

The case gained prominence as the SEC had announced potential punishments for teams that recruit former professionals. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has supported the athletes' position and criticized the SEC's federal lawsuit against LSU.

Several former professional players, including Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright, testified in court stating they earned modest amounts as professionals and wished to return to college football. They are now expected to play for LSU.