Clemson Notifies LSU of Potential for Contract Breach Should Lane Kiffin Play Ex-NFL Players

Clemson offered an apparent response to LSU on Friday regarding the possibility of former NFL players suiting up for LSU in their season-opening game against Clemson on Saturday night.

According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Clemson general counsel Chip Hood sent an email to LSU's general counsel in which he mentioned "certain eligibility" issues that may break "contractual obligations between the two parties."

Hood seemed to be referring to a Louisiana judge granting an injunction Thursday to players who are looking to return for a fifth year of college football after spending time in NFL training camps.

Judge Clears Path for Ex-NFL Players to Join LSU

The players, Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, have committed to play for head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU.

However, multiple conferences have enacted rules against former NFL players returning to play in college, including the SEC, which is home to LSU.

On Thursday, the SEC filed a lawsuit against LSU with a U.S. District Court in Alabama, alleging that LSU is violating the SEC's "First Amendment right of expressive association" by attempting to break the conference's rules against using former NFL players.

According to Dellenger, Clemson plans to play against LSU, and it did not threaten litigation or request damages in the email, but it pointed out to LSU that the game contract between the two teams features "an article prohibiting the participation of ineligible players."

Clemson's position is not surprising given recent comments made by head coach Dabo Swinney.

Earlier this week, Swinney gave his take on college teams pursuing former NFL players, telling reporters , "It's kind of embarrassing. Honestly, it's embarrassing that's where we are. I don't blame the kids, but people trying to take advantage of the system. It's embarrassing, but we've been there for a while."

Neither Wright nor Harris have been added to LSU's official roster yet, and Friday is the deadline for the school to do so.

Both Wright and Harris played under Kiffin at Ole Miss before Kiffin took the head coaching job at LSU.

Wright, a tight end, recorded 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns at Ole Miss last season before spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns in training camp and the preseason.

Harris, a defensive tackle, had 58 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks last season at Ole Miss. He was with the New Orleans Saints during training camp.