Lane Kiffin, LSU’s football coach, made a pointed remark about Clemson during a halftime interview as his team led 31-3. The comment alluded to the ongoing eligibility dispute involving two former players now with LSU who previously signed NFL contracts.
Kiffin, speaking with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, nearly said, “Imagine if we had pro players,” before quickly walking toward the tunnel at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This came after LSU dominated the first half, outgaining Clemson 336-54 despite an early interception and a missed field goal.
The situation stems from a lawsuit filed by tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, former players under Kiffin at Mississippi, after they signed NFL contracts and sought to play for LSU. A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order, and later a preliminary injunction on September 3, preventing the SEC and NCAA from penalizing schools for using ex-pros.
Despite the court ruling, Kiffin chose not to add Wright and Harris to the roster for the season opener. He explained on “College GameDay” that while he supports the players’ right to play, he had to prioritize the “big picture” for LSU and address the “uncertainties” of including them given potential repercussions. He stated, “That wasn't easy. As much as I feel for the players, and I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe that these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country who are winning court cases and being put on rosters…I’m the head coach of LSU and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture for LSU and the LSU football program, with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster.”
Kiffin expressed confidence in his team’s performance, noting the game “should be 38-0” and that they needed to address the first-drive turnover and improve in the second half.
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