A judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the SEC from enforcing a new rule that would impose significant penalties on teams using players who previously signed contracts to play professionally in the NFL, NBA or WNBA.
The order halts enforcement of the rule while the matter proceeds, meaning the conference cannot currently punish programs solely for using athletes covered by the policy. The rule had threatened stiff consequences for teams that allowed such players to participate.
The decision is notable for basketball programs because it includes athletes who previously signed NBA or WNBA contracts, potentially affecting eligibility-related enforcement within the conference. For now, the restraining order limits the SEC’s ability to apply the new penalties connected to former professional players.