After a judge’s ruling, more NFL players are considering returning to college. Meanwhile, the Big Ten and ACC are considering rules to prevent them from being able to do so.
Last week, after 33 athletes from multiple sports filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Louisiana state court, a judge granted numerous former college football players a temporary restraining order allowing them a fifth year of eligibility, despite many attending NFL training camps and some even playing in preseason games.
Among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit were 16 football players, including Jack Pyburn, Dae’Quan Wright, and Anthony Hankerson – all of whom were listed on NFL rosters. The day after that announcement, Wright entered the portal, becoming the first active NFL player ever to do so legally.
Now, according to Front Office Sports, multiple industry sources say attorneys are being contacted by numerous players, either currently in NFL training camps or that were previously, to discuss whether they should or can file eligibility lawsuits.
Conferences like the Big Ten and ACC are considering rules to stop players from returning to college football from the NFL
In the wake of the lawsuit and Dae’Quan Wright becoming the first player to ever be on an NFL roster to become eligible to play in college football, The Athletic reports that a conference-wide rule that would forbid football players from returning to college after signing with NFL clubs is being considered by Big Ten executives and athletic directors.
“Once you go to the NFL, to me, you’re in the NFL. You don’t get the opportunity to come back,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning told reporters. “It used to be once you had an agent, or once you went and did the combine, or once you went to mini (camp), all those things qualified as you were no longer an amateur. You’re a professional now.”
John Currie, leader of the ACC athletic director committee and A.D. at Wake Forest, told The Athletic that the ACC is contemplating a similar conference-wide regulation. The Big 12 athletic directors have reportedly not yet addressed the matter, but they probably will.
Meanwhile, on Monday, SEC presidents issued a statement against players returning to college after being signed to play in the NFL.
“College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference,” they wrote. “Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition.
“Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant competitive equity concerns, and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes.
“College sports are for college athletes.”
Tell that to Lane Kiffin.