SEC to dispute judge's pro player ruling Thursday

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) announced Sunday that it will dispute a federal judge's recent ruling regarding player eligibility. Specifically, the conference plans to defend its rights in court following an order that prohibited SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey from issuing punishments if a team rosters a player who previously returned from a professional contract.

While challenging the legal basis of the decision, the conference confirmed it will comply with the judge's current order while the legal proceedings unfold. The dispute centers on the enforcement of conference rules regarding professional participation and the authority of the commissioner to penalize member institutions.