ACC joins Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 in banning former professional athletes

The entirety of the Power Four is now in sync when it comes to players who have tried their hands at the professional level trying to make a comeback to the college level.

After several players who have spent time on NFL training-camp rosters decided to come back to college after being released, the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12 have decided to formally ban former professionals from playing in their leagues.

The Big Ten and SEC were the first to take this approach. The Big 12 did the same on Wednesday. And now the ACC has decided to follow suit.

“The ACC Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution directing the Commissioner to enforce certain eligibility requirements when an athlete seeks to return to collegiate participation after intentionally pursuing a professional career,” the ACC said in a statement.

Two former NFL players landed with LSU

The inciting incidents behind these bans stemmed from Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers signing tight end Dae'Quan Wright after he was cut by the Cleveland Browns and then following that up by bringing in former big-time Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris after he was cut by the New Orleans Saints and not picked back up by another NFL team.

Those moves were the straw that broke the camel's back, but we saw several players in college basketball last season attempt the same move after not making it in the NBA or its associated minor leagues. That's not even to mention players who have played professionally internationally.

College football has brought the tipping point, but the ACC's ban also covers professional athletes returning to college to play men’s or women’s college basketball.