SEC Adopts Rule Change Banning NFL, NBA, WNBA Players From Returning, Penalties Reportedly Revealed

The SEC announced Tuesday that teams are prohibited from rostering players who have either declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA drafts and did not withdraw within the allowed framework, signed a contract with a team in those leagues or were at any point rostered by a team in one of those leagues.

That comes after tight end Dae'Quan Wright had an agreement in place with LSU to play for the football team after signing contracts with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns this offseason.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Big Ten instituted a similar rule.

"The Big Ten Conference announced Tuesday the unanimous adoption of a conference rule to prohibit football players who have signed a professional contract, were on a professional roster at any point or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing, from maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution," the conference announced in a statement. "The conference continues to evaluate potential rules restricting professional athletes in other sports from conference competition."

Notre Dame, an independent, is reportedly taking that stance as well.

And the Big 12 is also reportedly leaning heavily in that direction:

The ACC is set to discuss the matter this week.

Both Wright and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris agreed to join LSU this offseason after a temporary restraining order was granted by a Louisiana judge allowing them a fifth year of eligibility. This offseason the NCAA ruled that athletes could have five years of eligibility in five consecutive seasons but didn't grandfather in the rule for athletes who first played in the 2022-23 academic year. A number of athletes in various states have sued, seeking that fifth year.

Both Wright and Harris previously played under LSU head coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss.