A Louisiana state judge signed a temporary restraining order Friday prohibiting the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey from enforcing a new rule that would punish schools for playing college football players who signed NFL contracts this summer. The rule was adopted after tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris announced plans to join Lane Kiffin at LSU after leaving NFL training camps. Their case is among more than a dozen lawsuits challenging NCAA eligibility rules.

A hearing is scheduled Thursday in Baton Rouge, two days before LSU opens its season against Clemson. Plaintiffs' attorney Tony Clayton called the penalties "draconian" and questioned Sankey's authority. Louisiana Gov.

Jeff Landry praised the ruling, stating President Donald Trump and Nick Saban were right about the need for federal intervention. The NCAA changed eligibility rules in June, allowing five seasons in five years, but denied extra eligibility to outgoing seniors. Several court orders have since allowed those seniors to return.

The NCAA is appealing and has overturned three orders recently. With the NCAA restrained, all four power conferences voted to create similar bans on former pro players returning. The SEC's proposed punishments included a half-season head coach suspension and a fine equal to 50% of conference revenue distribution.