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SEC Will Comply With Orders Letting Pros Return

8/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) will comply with orders permitting professional athletes to rejoin college sports.
Judge Will Jorden issued an order on Aug. 28, 2026 blocking SEC penalties for pros.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin plans to add NFL tight end Dae'Quan Wright and tackle Zxavian Harris.
An injunction hearing is set for Sep. 3, 2026 in Baton Rouge.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) appealed and overturned three orders.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 O'Bannon lawsuit launched an antitrust challenge to the NCAA’s amateurism model, and Judge Claudia Wilken’s 2019 Alston decision barred bans on education-related benefits. The Supreme Court affirmed that ruling on June 21 2021, with Justice Neil Gorsuch authoring the opinion. That precedent now drives ongoing court actions affecting athlete eligibility.

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Story summary

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) will comply with orders permitting professional athletes to rejoin college sports.
Judge Will Jorden issued an order on Aug. 28, 2026 blocking SEC penalties for pros.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin plans to add NFL tight end Dae'Quan Wright and tackle Zxavian Harris.
An injunction hearing is set for Sep. 3, 2026 in Baton Rouge.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) appealed and overturned three orders.

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