The SEC is aiming to keep the college in college sports.
On Tuesday, the SEC announced that teams are prohibited from adding players who previously declared for the NFL,
NBA or WNBA Drafts and didn’t withdraw within the allowed timeframe. Those who signed a contract in those leagues and their affiliates are also barred from competing. The decision was approved in a unanimous 16-0 vote among university presidents, chancellors and athletic directors.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Big Ten unanimously approved a similar measure, banning active NFL players from joining teams in the conference. The Big 12 is expected to follow suit on Wednesday or Thursday, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have reportedly told the SEC and Big Ten that they are not planning to sign pro players. The ACC, meanwhile, will discuss this matter later this week.
This comes after the Cleveland Browns waived former Ole Miss Rebels tight end Dae’Quan Wright on Sunday, setting the stage for him to join the LSU Tigers. He’s believed to be the first NFL player to try to return to college.