Last week, a Louisiana state judge granted a temporary restraining order allowing a group of players who participated in NFL training camp and the preseason to return to college. Now, multiple FBS conferences, including all four power conferences and the American, are considering taking action to ensure these players cannot return to college.
The SEC and Big Ten are meeting separately Tuesday to discuss eligibility issues, Front Office Sports confirmed. Among the options they are considering is a conference-wide ban on players who did not withdraw from the NFL Draft, or participated in NFL training camps and/or preseason games, according to multiple reports. The ACC and Big 12 are reportedly having similar conversations.
In addition, the American is considering a similar conference-wide ban on NFL players, a source confirmed to FOS.
“Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition, the SEC said in a statement Monday night. “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.”
