Sarkisian criticizes NFL-to-college player movement as SEC rules face court challenges
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has publicly opposed the recent trend of college football programs adding players released from NFL rosters, calling the practice "morally" wrong and endorsing the Southeastern Conference's rule against it.
Speaking on FOX College Football, Sarkisian said, "I think our presidents got this right in the Southeastern Conference. The presidents, the chancellors, the ADs, they met last week, and they said, they voted unanimously that if you've been a professional, you can't come back to college. And I think that's the right thing."
Sarkisian, whose comments were also reported via David Eckert of com, elaborated on his position: "The fact that somebody out there is going to take a player off of an NFL roster and tell somebody who's been doing it for nine months, go kick rocks. That doesn't sit well with me. I think that's wrong. That, morally, is wrong."
He added that the conference's presidents, ADs, and chancellors "got it right, and we'll support it, and we'll fall in line."
The SEC had established a rule aimed at preventing players with professional experience from returning to its rosters, with penalties including a coach suspension covering 50% of the team's games and a fine of half of the sport's annual operating budget. However, recent court rulings have complicated the conference's position: rulings in Louisiana and an order from a Texas judge overruled the SEC's stance. The SEC has said it will follow applicable court orders, with another hearing scheduled for Thursday.
The situation is particularly relevant at LSU, where coach Lane Kiffin has been looking at players released after NFL stints, including tight end Dae'Quan Wright, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, and edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka. Kiffin told ESPN's Pete Thamel that he remains in "daily communication" with the SEC.
Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz called the eligibility situation a "complete clown show," while Texas A&M's Mike Elko questioned why coaches were still trying to determine roster rules.
The NCAA's new five-year rule made the dynamic relevant for this year, as players who spent the offseason, training camp, and preseason could lose roster spots to newcomers claimed on waivers or signed as free agents. Sarkisian, along with Oregon's Dan Lanning, does not want any of the available former NFL players.
LSU opens its season against Clemson on Saturday. Texas and LSU are scheduled to meet on Nov. 14.