In the latest twist of the SEC vs. LSU, a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, on the SEC's request for an injunction to allow it to move forward with action against LSU will not take place as previously scheduled.
The scheduled hearing was continued and will be rescheduled. No reason for the delay was given, per Emilee Smarr of the Tuscaloosa News.
The SEC filed suit against LSU in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on Thursday, Sept. 3, seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions tied to what it described as its First Amendment right of “expressive association" — in other words, the conference’s argument that it cannot be forced to associate with a member acting contrary to its mission and values.
must take its SEC punishment. Or take a hike
The conference plans a vote Thursday on whether to dismiss LSU from the conference or levy sanctions against the school for moves toward rostering players who have signed with the NFL.
On the night before Wednesday's hearing, LSU added two players to its roster to max out its 105-man roster, which now cannot include former NFL signees Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris.
Wright and Harris were attempting to return to college after signing with NFL teams over the offseason. Both players were seniors last season and joined NFL teams earlier this year before ultimately being waived, but after the NCAA implemented a five-for-five eligibility model, Wright and Harris were part of a lawsuit in Louisiana that ended with a judge granting a temporary restraining order that would have allowed them to play at the college level. Both players had committed to LSU and coach Lane Kiffin, who they had previously played for at Mississippi.
The SEC argued adding Wright and Harris would be in direct violation of eligibility rules, and LSU's continued pursuit resulted in a suit from the conference. On August 25, SEC presidents, chancellors and athletics directors unanimously adopted a new policy that made it a violation of conference bylaws to sign or roster a player with professional experience.
The SEC filed an amended complaint on Tuesday, Sept. 8, seeking a temporary restraining order ahead of a Sept. 10 meeting of conference leaders, when LSU’s membership in the league is said be considered, per court filings.
In its filing, the SEC argued that having to associate with LSU would cause “irreparable harm” if the league were unable to distance its name, brand, championships and media properties from conduct it opposes.
USA TODAY reporters Craig Meyer and Paul Myerberg contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SEC vs. LSU hearing suddenly delayed. What happens next?
