The SEC said Sunday it will comply with a court order that prevents commissioner Greg Sankey from punishing member schools if they roster a player who returns after signing a professional contract.
At the same time, the conference made clear it plans to contest the ruling. In a statement, the SEC said it will defend its rights in court, setting up further legal proceedings over how the league may enforce eligibility-related rules involving athletes with professional experience.
The order limits the conference’s ability to impose penalties on schools in this specific circumstance while the legal matter continues. The SEC’s response indicates it will follow the court’s directive while maintaining its challenge through the judicial process.