SEC commissioner Greg Sankey argued in a Louisiana affidavit that athletes who sign professional contracts should not be allowed to return to college sports, calling it disruptive to the integrity of NCAA competition. His filing responded to a lawsuit by former St. John's basketball star RJ Luis, who seeks to play at LSU after signing two-way NBA deals with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics in 2025.

Sankey emphasized that college athletics are meant to align with academic pursuits and preserve opportunities for future student-athletes. He warned that allowing pros back in creates unfairness for those who remained in college. A separate case involving 32 athletes, including three current NFL players, resulted in a temporary restraining order permitting their return this fall, though the NCAA plans to appeal.

Luis' attorneys cited a Louisiana precedent and the NCAA's own allowance of European professionals as justification. A preliminary injunction hearing is set for Aug. 24. The NCAA has faced over two dozen lawsuits challenging eligibility rules, particularly after changing its five-season limit policy in June. LSU's roster remains uncertain pending these rulings.