Louisiana State University finalized its 105-man football roster Tuesday, adding defensive end Gabriel Reliford and defensive back Aidan Anding, according to multiple reports. The school did not include Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, two former Ole Miss players, despite legal efforts to secure them an extra year of eligibility.
Wright and Harris are involved in a legal dispute with the NCAA and SEC. A Louisiana court has issued an order preventing the NCAA and SEC from enforcing eligibility rules against them and others. Neither player participated in LSU’s recent 63-7 victory over Clemson, though Wright had expressed hope of making an in-game appearance before the season opener.
Ryan Downton, the players’ attorney, said Harris and Wright are reviewing their legal options regarding their eligibility. LSU’s roster decision coincides with the SEC’s upcoming meeting Thursday, where league presidents and chancellors are expected to discuss possible sanctions against LSU over its roster practices and alleged lack of institutional control.
The SEC filed a federal lawsuit last week against LSU, its athletic department, head football coach Lane Kiffin, and other officials. The league amended the suit Tuesday, asking the court to prevent LSU from taking actions that could interfere with the Thursday meeting.
The potential expulsion of LSU from the SEC has prompted reactions from political leaders, including U.S. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana. Kennedy dismissed such a move as foolish and called for passage of the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at standardizing eligibility rules and regulating name, image, and likeness deals. The legislation has yet to clear the Senate but has received endorsements from President Donald Trump, major conferences, including the SEC, and former Alabama coach Nick Saban.
Harris and Wright will not return to Oxford on Sept. 19 for a game against their former team, which is expected to be a highlight of the regular season.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
