What Lane Kiffin said on LSU leaving Ex-NFL players off roster vs. Clemson

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With Clemsonfootball’s season opener in Baton Rouge approaching, LSU has decided not to test the limits of a growing eligibility dispute involving two former professional players.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Saturday that Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris were not included on the Tigers’ official roster, despite a Louisiana judge issuing an injunction that opened the door for both players to compete.

“That wasn’t easy,” Kiffin said. “As much as I feel for the players… I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters. But at the same time, I’m the head coach of LSU and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program, with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster.”

Those uncertainties were considerable.

The SEC has warned its schools of potentially significant penalties for putting former NFL players on a college roster and recently took legal action against LSU. Clemson also warned that using former professional players could violate the contract governing Saturday night’s matchup.

Wright, a former Ole Miss tight end, spent time with the Cleveland Browns after being claimed off waivers. Harris, a former Ole Miss defensive tackle, signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent before being released.

LSU submitted a 103-player roster, leaving two available spots. Because Wright and Harris are enrolled at LSU, the possibility remains that either could be added later this season.

For Clemson, however, the issue is settled for Saturday night.

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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: What Lane Kiffin said on LSU leaving Ex-NFL players off roster vs. Clemson

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