‘He Is the Villain’ — LSU Legend Justin Jefferson Makes Feelings Clear on Lane Kiffin’s Controversial Reputation
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In recent weeks, Lane Kiffin pushed to add former NFL players Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright to LSU’s roster, triggering a major dispute with the SEC. Although Kiffin backed down and excluded the former NFL players after the SEC filed a lawsuit and threatened harsh sanctions against LSU, the controversy has helped establish the Tigers as college football’s ultimate villains.
Former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson believes Kiffin and the Tigers should embrace that role under the divisive coach.
Justin Jefferson Hails Lane Kiffin’s College Football Villain Role
During Friday’s edition of the “Up & Adams” show, Jefferson said he was unfazed by Kiffin’s actions. The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver even said he enjoyed the Tigers’ new reputation.
“I’m not mad at it, honestly,” Jefferson said. “That’s Lane, though. Anybody that knows Lane and knows how he carries himself, he is the villain. And that’s how he’s always been. I feel like it’s about time. We’re always the good guys, we’re always the guys that do everything right. I feel like it’s time for the bad guys to come out and show the guys what’s really up.”
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Kiffin dominated the headlines last year when he left Ole Miss just as the Rebels were on the brink of qualifying for the College Football Playoff after a historic regular season.
That was hardly the first time Kiffin had found himself at the center of controversy.
The LSU coach has had a controversial coaching career, including friction-filled exits from the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders), Tennessee Volunteers, USC Trojans, Alabama Crimson Tide and Ole Miss.
Despite his off-field antics, Jefferson is optimistic about Kiffin leading the Tigers to a national championship in his first season in charge.
“They have a good chance to. Obviously, it’s the first time. New quarterback, new receivers, pretty much new defense. So, it’s the first time that these guys are really coming together and building that team chemistry and that team bond. They put up 50 the first showcase,” Jefferson added.
“It’s only going to get better and better throughout the year it goes on. So, I’m excited for them; I’m excited for what I’ve seen. Hopefully, they bring it every single week just like we got to.”
Kiffin has assembled one of college football’s most talented rosters in Baton Rouge, bringing in the country’s No. 1 transfer portal class.
As things stand, the Tigers are not in danger of being expelled from the SEC despite the conference’s legal action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama this week.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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