SEC's LSU drama drags on following Thursday meeting

LSU, SEC drama drags on after Thursday meeting ends without "appropriate resolution"

Earlier this week, the SEC made waves when it amended a federal lawsuit seeking to expel LSU from the conference. While that nuclear option was always considered a long shot, the idea that it was even being considered revealed how serious the SEC was about getting its way in the ugly eligibility dispute.

Wright and Harris, members of the high-school class of 2022, signed NFL contracts after their college eligibility had expired but were attempting to take advantage of the NCAA's five-year eligibility model implemented in June. A Baton Rouge judge ruled in the players' favor, but the threat of stiff SEC sanctions gave LSU no choice but to keep them off their roster in last Saturday's 51-10 win over Clemson.

On Tuesday, the Tigers formally filled their 105-man roster for the season by adding cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford, removing the possibility of Wright and Harris playing for the program.

In a letter to SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, LSU President Wade Rousse plainly wrote, "The roster is now locked for the season. LSU complied with SEC rules. This issue is moot"

But it doesn't appear to be over. Based on the conference's statement, penalties against LSU still may be on the table. In its amended complaint from earlier this week, ESPN noted the SEC took offense to LSU coach Lane Kiffin's halftime quip against Clemson ("Imagine if we had pro players"), arguing it "[stood] in sharp contrast to the silence by the President and Athletic Director of LSU." More pointedly, it claimed his remark "confirm[s] the lack of institutional control over the athletics program at LSU that is required by Article 6 of the SEC constitution."

On Wednesday, a high-level SEC football supervisor told USA Today Sports, "You could argue Lane should be suspended for two SEC games, but I ain't standing on the table for it.

"The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh from the Ohio State game... I think the same can be done [against Ole Miss]," the supervisor added.

As much as the SEC wants blood, suspending Kiffin, especially for the marquee conference game of the season, because of an off-handed remark would be an unhinged response. 

LSU only attempted to add Wright and Harris because a court order granted the players a temporary restraining order. As a response, the SEC announced it would enforced a policy banning players who previously signed a pro contract.

Punishing the Tigers for ultimately not breaking a rule that was only issued after the university considered adding the former pros is hard to rationalize.

It would be wise for the SEC to wrap this saga and put the focus on the field. Instead, the possibility of LSU sanctions will dominate the headlines entering its trip to Ole Miss. 

It's anyone's guess how this ends. We just wish it would.