Clemson raises contract concerns with LSU over former professional players

BATON ROUGE, La. ( Louisiana First ) -- Clemson is pointing to its contract with LSU as questions continue over whether former professional football players could take the field for LSU when the two teams meet Saturday.

Yahoo! Sports reported Friday that Clemson officials notified LSU that playing former professional athletes could violate the agreement between the two universities.

An LSU spokesperson confirmed to Louisiana First News that a message circulating publicly from Clemson regarding the agreement was sent to the university.

In the message, Clemson General Counsel W.C. Hood Jr. pointed to a section of the schools' 2018 football agreement that deals with who is eligible to play.

The agreement said player and coach eligibility is determined by NCAA rules, conference rules and each university's rules that are in place on the day of the game.

Hood said Clemson believes that part of the agreement still applies despite the ongoing legal fight over whether former professional athletes can return to college sports.

He wrote that the provision creates a "contractual obligation between the two parties which is not relieved by the ongoing disputes."

"Clemson supports the position of the NCAA and our conferences regarding the eligibility of professional athletes returning to play college football," Hood wrote.

Despite the disagreement, Clemson indicated it is still preparing to play Saturday.

"Our football program and fans are looking forward to visiting your university and the city of Baton Rouge this weekend," Hood wrote.

This comes as LSU, the SEC and several athletes are involved in legal battles over whether former professional players can return to college football.

A Baton Rouge judge granted a preliminary injunction Thursday in favor of student-athletes seeking another year of eligibility, potentially clearing the way for former professional players to join LSU's roster.

Former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright are among the players hoping to play for LSU.

The SEC has also filed a separate federal lawsuit against LSU over the university's efforts to bring former professional players back to college football.