SEC draws rule to stop NFL, NBA, WNBA players from returning - ESPN

The SEC joined the Big Ten on Tuesday in its unanimous opposition to athletes leaving the NFL and returning to college teams, swiftly passing a new conference rule that gives commissioner Greg Sankey full authority to enforce it «with penalties.»

During an in-person meeting with league presidents, chancellors and athletic directors, the SEC took it even further than the Big Ten, prohibiting anyone who has previously declared for professional basketball from rejoining college athletics without appropriate withdraw.

Sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel the vote to implement the policy was 16-0 — an important show of unity from conference leaders at a time when some of their own coaches are attempting to add players to their rosters who were cut from professional teams.

With a step-by-step explanation, the SEC announced its institutions are «not permitted to have an athlete on its roster who has:

1. Previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA draft, and did not appropriately withdraw.

2. Signed a contract with an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) team, or ...

3. Been listed on an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) roster.»

The announcement stated Sankey «is authorized to enforce this expectation with penalties against member institutions.» An SEC spokesperson later told ESPN that penalties are «to be announced.»

The fundamental principle of NCAA eligibility has been called into question again this month following a flurry of news about former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who hoped to clear waivers with the Cleveland Browns so he can return to college and play for LSU in what would be his fifth season of eligibility. Wright's