Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 approve ban on pro players returning to college to play; ACC considering move

The ACC is the only power conference standing, and it may not be for long.

The ACC is considering banning former professional players who want to return and play in college, which would keep the league in line with rules that the Big Ten, SEC and now Big 12 have made in recent days.

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The Big Ten formally adopted that policy on Tuesday, officially making underclassmen who declared for the NFL Draft and didn't withdraw, signed pro contracts or appeared on an NFL roster ineligible. The Big Ten's vote was unanimous.

"The conference continues to evaluate potential rules restricting professional athletes in other sports from conference competition," the league said in a statement, in part.

The Big Ten later announced the penalties for violating the rule: a coach suspension of 50% of the season and an institutional fine.

Then on Tuesday afternoon, the SEC followed suit. The conference announced a similar policy for both football and basketball. The Big Ten's move only included football.

Notre Dame officials have told the Big Ten and SEC that it the school will also follow a similar policy.

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Then on Wednesday, the Big 12 unanimously passed a policy that prohibits athletes from competing in all sports, not just football.

The flurry of discussions comes after the reports that Dae'Quan Wright of the Cleveland Browns and Zxavian Harris of the New Orleans Saints are leaving their respective NFL teams to play for LSU. Both Wright and Harris played for Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss.

Kiffin defended courting pro players on Monday during a press conference while being careful not to confirm any new signings, saying, "[They're] either going to play for you or they're going to play for someone else around the country."

On Monday, SEC presidents met virtually to support opposition to professional players coming back to play in college.

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"College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference. Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition," read part of the SEC's statement.

With Tuesday's decision, SEC schools are no longer allowed to have such athletes on their rosters for football or basketball. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was granted "full and unlimited authority," which includes suspending a school from competition, according to Dellenger.

More discussions are expected Tuesday during a joint, two-day meeting of SEC presidents and athletic directors in Birmingham, Alabama — an unusual and significant gathering that was previously scheduled.

More legal challenges on the way?

With the conferences all considering a ban, and the Big Ten's move to adopt such a policy, it could open them up to additional legal action and may put the leagues themselves at the center of new lawsuits — instead of the NCAA.

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Additionally, if the conferences agree on a ban, they'd also need to determine the penalties for playing an ineligible player.

Whether the ACC follows the Big Ten's lead now remains to be seen.

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