The SEC has laid down a huge marker when it comes to the eligibility of players returning to college, finally putting out a statement that seemingly makes it clear that players who have been a part of professional leagues like the NFL and NBA will not be able to return to college for another year of eligibility.
The statement reads as follows and is an attempt to clamp down on players who have been seeking extra eligibility via the legal route.
“Following meetings with the presidents, chancellors, and athletics directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy:
An SEC institution is not permitted to have an athlete on its roster who has:
– Previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA Draft, and did not appropriately withdraw,
– Signed a contract with an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) team, or
– Been listed on an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) roster.
The Commissioner is authorized to enforce this expectation with penalties against member institutions.”
Fans have now reacted to the decision made by the SEC, with one fan even calling it the “beginning of the end of conferences.”
Why Did The SEC Put Out This Message Now?
The SEC’s messaging seems to come at a time when the conference is under pressure to make changes in the midst of an ever-changing landscape in college sports.
The final nail in the coffin came when Dae’Quan Wright, who had already been involved in the NFL this year, decided to come back to college and was granted eligibility to join LSU, who seemed all too keen to have him.
In basketball too, LSU secured a commitment from NBA-return RJ Luis Jr., who was also willing to take the legal route to get himself back into college, irking several fans and key decision-makers in college circles. With the latest statement, the SEC will hope that players can be deterred from returning to college after they have taken the decision to move up to pro leagues.
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