Lane Kiffin reveals why he left controversial ex-NFL players off LSU roster as he opens up on being 'hated' amid eligibility battle

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has broken his silence on his decision to leave former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off the Tigers' roster for Saturday's opening game against Clemson.

A Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in a high-profile eligibility case on Thursday that paved the way for their potential inclusion in Kiffin's team.

However, despite being given the green light, Wright and Harris were not included in the roster to face Clemson, leaving fans stunned. 

Kiffin opened up on the decision during a brief appearance on College GameDay, admitting that it was a tough one to make. 

'That wasn't easy, as much as I feel for the players,' said Kiffin. 'And I believe that you fight for what you believe in. And I believe these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters. 

'But at the same time, I'm the head coach of LSU, and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program - with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster. We couldn't get exact reasons or... what that would mean if we added them, so with that, I made the decision which is the best interests of the team and the university.'

Both players have said they are enrolled at LSU, which means they could be eligible to be added to the roster later.

Legal action is ongoing, with the SEC planning an appeal of the Louisiana ruling and also awaiting word on a federal lawsuit it filed Thursday asking the court to force LSU into following its rules banning pro athletes.

Kiffin also reacted to being sued by the conference on College GameDay when asked about the lawsuit by host Pat McAfee. 

'I've really appreciated our friendship, and this week, your guidance with me,' he said. 'Between you and I, we're about the two most hated people there are.

'You told me, "Hey, just focus on it; don’t worry about the noise. A lot of times, to do great things, you’re going to be hated."'

Under rules passed last week that the Louisiana court shot down, the SEC could have suspended Kiffin, fined LSU half its football budget and more if it put Wright and Harris on the roster.

The case stems from a new NCAA rule that granted five seasons of eligibility for players who started college in 2023. Wright, Harris and dozens of others across the country who started in 2022 have filed lawsuits saying they also deserve that fifth year.

Embedded within that argument is whether players among that Class of '22 who tried out for NFL, NBA or WNBA teams should be able to come back to college and play.

'The SEC´s presidents and chancellors unanimously adopted a clear and reasonable standard: Member universities should not place former professional athletes on their rosters,' the conference said in a statement after Thursday night's ruling.

In its own statement Friday, LSU said it was reviewing the court's order and would 'continue to work constructively with the SEC and NCAA as this matter moves forward.'

'College football does not deserve this kind of ambiguity in eligibility standards,' the statement said, while also offering a shoutout to a bill in the Senate that could clear up this kind of confusion.

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