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Clemson coach Dabo Swinney criticizes former NFL players returning to college football
Multiple college coaches expressed frustration over governance as LSU practices former NFL roster additions despite conference bans and legal challenges.
The short version
- Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney criticized the recent trend of former NFL players attempting to return to college football, calling the situation an 'embarrassing' joke ahead of his team's season opener against LSU.
- LSU coach Lane Kiffin defended recruiting former professional players like tight end Dae'Quan Wright, arguing that college football now operates like professional sports and that he is acting in his players' best interests.
- While all Power Four and three Group of Six conferences have barred former pro players from participating, the bans face ongoing legal challenges.
- The eligibility status of former NFL players and athletes seeking additional eligibility through lawsuits against NCAA rules remains uncertain as the college football season begins.
Key facts
- Clemson coach Dabo Swinney publicly criticized the potential inclusion of former NFL players on college football rosters ahead of Clemson's opener against LSU.[Associated Press]
- LSU has begun practicing former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who is undergoing NCAA acclimatization protocols.[Associated Press]
- All Power Four conferences and three Group of Six conferences have implemented policies barring former professional players from playing college football.[Associated Press]
- Conference bans prohibiting former pros from returning to college football have prompted court challenges.[Associated Press]
- LSU head coach Lane Kiffin defended the decision to recruit players who spent time on NFL rosters, stating college football functions like the 'real world.'[Associated Press]
- Texas coach Steve Sarkisian described replacing a college student with a former NFL player as 'morally wrong,' while Northwestern coach David Braun called for consistent governance.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains undecided whether Dae'Quan Wright or other players who spent time on NFL rosters during the offseason will be legally cleared to play in college games this season.[Associated Press]