SEC opposes LSU bid to end lawsuit - Dispute remains 'live' - ESPN

The SEC has filed a memorandum in opposition to LSU's request that a federal court dismiss the conference's lawsuit against the university and its officials, saying a live controversy still exists between the parties and highlighting the Tigers' men's basketball team's effort to add a player who had previously signed multiple two-way NBA contracts.

«This case addresses a broader dispute: Defendants' complete lack of institutional control over LSU's athletic programs, their ongoing defiance of the Conference's Professionalism Rules, and the very real threat — reiterated in Defendants' briefing — that Defendants will interfere with any effort to terminate LSU's membership in the Conference,» the SEC's court filing, issued Tuesday, said. «That dispute remains live.»

The dispute between the SEC and LSU arose from Tigers coach Lane Kiffin's plans to add tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who both had spent time in NFL training camps before returning to school.

In Tuesday's memorandum, the SEC indicated its legal action is about more than Wright and Harris.

«Defendants' threatened interference with the SEC's First Amendment freedoms is ongoing,» the conference said. «It is notable that Defendants never say in their brief that LSU is committed to following the Professionalism Rules, maintaining institutional control, or not interfering with the SEC's First Amendment right of expressive association going forward. Any such claim would ring hollow anyway, because LSU continues to flout those Rules and principles.»

LSU men's basketball coach Will Wade had planned to add RJ Luis Jr., the 2025 Big East Player of the Year, to his roster this season. However, Wade said Tuesday that his team will follow SEC