SEC Files Lawsuit Against LSU, Lane Kiffin Over Former Pro Players

The SEC's ongoing battle with LSU over the eligibility of former professional players escalated in a major way Thursday.

The conference filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, head coach Lane Kiffin and university officials as it attempts to prevent the Tigers from using players who previously signed professional contracts or spent time with NFL organizations.

News of the lawsuit broke while SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was in Baton Rouge testifying during a separate eligibility hearing involving players seeking to compete at LSU.

The timing created a bizarre scene, with ESPN's Pete Thamel reporting from outside the courthouse as details of the SEC's lawsuit began to emerge.

The dispute centers around players LSU has pursued following recent court rulings challenging NCAA eligibility restrictions. The SEC has maintained that its own rules prohibit players with certain professional experience from competing at member schools, even if they are otherwise cleared to play.

LSU has pushed back against the conference's position as the legal fight over the players' eligibility continues.

Thursday's lawsuit marks another significant escalation in a dispute that has quickly become one of the biggest stories in college football just days before LSU opens the season against Clemson.