Days after the SEC adopted a ruling that barred former professional athletes from returning to college sports, a Dallas judge has signed an order that holds the NCAA, SEC and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey from keeping three athletes from returning to the college level, according to multiple reports on Thursday, Aug. 27.
The NCAA, SEC and Sankey were all named in the order signed by judge Martin Hoffman. Current NFL players Cowboys receiver Jordan Hudson, Chiefs linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and Chiefs receiver Omari Evans were among 41 players named as plaintiffs in the order, along with former student-athletes from men's and women's college basketball.
or someone else'
The judge's order is the first that specifically names a conference when it comes to holding professional players from returning to college football. The order comes after each Power Four conference adopted rules against teams signing former professional players, along with harsh punishments for any team that violates the rule.
LSU football has already landed commitments from Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, two players who signed undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams. Former Tigers edge rusher Jack Pyburn also plans to re-join LSU if he fails to make the Buccaneers' roster, per reports.
"As long as they would have been eligible to continue playing college sports in the following semester if they had a fifth year of eligibility, they are eligible today," Hoffman wrote in the order, per ESPN.
The order and temporary restraining orders flying across the country come after the NCAA adopted new 5-for-5 eligibility ruling that allows athletes to play five seasons, as long as they occur in five years. Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Colorado state court ruled all class of 2022 athletes could also benefit from the change, resulting in numerous other TROs being filed in other states.
SEC football kicks off in eight days, but there's still plenty of roster uncertainty among its teams.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Judge issues order prohibiting SEC from punishing schools for players from pro rosters
