Nuclear option: SEC files new lawsuit to kick out LSU over Lane Kiffin’s ‘pro player’ roster push

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has dramatically escalated its battle with LSU , with the league now seeking the authority to remove one of its most prominent members over a dispute involving former professional football players.

The SEC filed an amended complaint in its federal case against LSU, coach Lane Kiffin and university officials. The filing says conference presidents and chancellors have scheduled a meeting for Thursday to consider terminating LSU’s membership.

Under SEC rules, removing a member requires approval from at least two-thirds of the conference’s university leaders.

The development represents an escalation in a dispute that began when LSU pursued former NFL players who wanted to return to college football.

A Louisiana judge recently issued a preliminary injunction allowing athletes with previous professional experience to pursue another college season, putting the SEC’s prohibition on such players under significant legal pressure.

LSU ultimately left former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright off its roster for Saturday’s season opener against Clemson.

The Tigers submitted a roster with space remaining, potentially leaving the door open for the players to join the program if the legal situation changes. LSU then delivered a statement on the field, crushing Clemson 51-10.

SEC turns up the pressure

The amended lawsuit also points to comments Kiffin made during the Clemson game. During a halftime television interview, the LSU coach said, “Imagine if we had pro players.”

The SEC argues that Kiffin’s remark strengthens its allegation that LSU lacks the institutional control required under conference rules.

SEC officials argue that member universities voluntarily agreed to rules governing competition, and those rules have to be enforceable if the conference is going to operate as a unified league.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey previously defended the league’s position in court, arguing that the boundary between professional and college sports needs to remain intact. The conference also raised concerns that returning former professionals could take roster spots away from incoming college athletes.

“The line between professional sports and college sports needs to be maintained,” said Sankey .

The SEC has already approved penalties for programs that violate its restrictions, including potentially massive financial fines, coach suspensions and the loss of voting privileges on conference matters. LSU’s university president, Wade Rousse, abstained from the vote, while the other SEC presidents reportedly supported the penalties.

The Tigers, meanwhile, have received support from Louisiana officials and attorneys representing the athletes. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has criticized the SEC’s federal lawsuit as frivolous and said the state will continue working to protect LSU from what she considers threats to the school.

An actual expulsion doesn't appear to be the most likely outcome, as Thursday’s meeting could instead be another attempt by the SEC to strengthen its position and demonstrate that it intends to enforce its eligibility rules while the broader legal battle continues.

Still, the fact that LSU’s membership is even being discussed marks an extraordinary moment for the conference.