LSU head coach Lane Kiffin explained his decision to leave two former NFL players off his roster for Saturday night's season opener against Clemson.
"That wasn't easy," Kiffin said on ESPN's College GameDay. "As much as I feel for the players, and I believe you fight for what you believe in. And I believe these kids should have the 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 at LSU. And I had to make the decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program, with the uncertainties of what could potentially could've come by adding them to the roster."
Tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris were both left off the 105-player roster LSU submitted to the SEC on Friday night. The players were granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA on Thursday, allowing the Tigers to add the former NFL players to their roster.
The roster Kiffin and LSU sent to the SEC included only 103 players, leaving room to add Wright and Harris later in the season. Both players are currently enrolled at LSU, and Wright suited up in two practices ahead of the program's Week 1 showdown against Clemson.
The SEC filed a lawsuit in federal court Thursday against LSU to enforce rules that ban former professional athletes from joining rosters. However, the preliminary injunction granted in a Louisiana court forbids the conference from punishing the school or players.
"I made the decision that was in the best interest of the team and the university. We're excited to be playing a great game here in front of these fans. Let's spot the ball," Kiffin added.
Wright went undrafted this year after playing under Kiffin at Ole Miss for the last two seasons. He initially signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was waived on Aug. 10 and ultimately signed with the Cleveland Browns the following day. Wright was waived two weeks later and entered the transfer portal to begin the process of joining LSU.
Harris also went undrafted and signed with the New Orleans Saints following a four-year run at Ole Miss. The Saints waived him on Aug. 8, and he went unclaimed before entering the transfer portal.
