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LSU and SEC collide in Baton Rouge court in fight over former NFL players A judge will hear arguments over whether the SEC can punish schools that use former professional athletes just one day before LSU must finalize its roster. BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - LSU’s fight with the Southeastern Conference over former professional athletes moves into a Baton Rouge courtroom Thursday, with the outcome potentially affecting the Tigers’ roster just two days before the season opener against Clemson. Judge William Jorden of Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court is set to hear arguments over whether to extend court protections currently blocking the SEC from punishing its member schools for using former professional athletes involved in the lawsuit. The SEC wants those protections lifted. What to know - A Baton Rouge judge will hear arguments Thursday in the LSU-related eligibility fight. - The athletes want current court protections extended. - The SEC wants the judge to let it enforce its rules against member schools. - SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the players are expected in court. - LSU faces a Friday roster deadline before playing Clemson on Saturday. The case involves 43 athletes challenging college eligibility rules, but two have immediate ties to LSU. Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright has already joined LSU, while former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris has also been tied to a move to Baton Rouge. Both played for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss before signing NFL contracts. + MEET THE PLAYERS: Who are Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris? Former NFL players at center of LSU-SEC fight What will the judge decide? The athletes are asking Jorden to replace the current temporary restraining order with a preliminary injunction, which would provide longer-lasting protection while the lawsuit continues. In simpler terms, they want the judge to keep the SEC from punishing schools for using the players while the larger case plays out. The SEC wants Jorden to deny that request and dissolve the existing order as it applies to the conference and Sankey. The key issue for LSU is whether a player being allowed to return to college also prevents the SEC from punishing a school that uses him. The SEC says those are two different questions. In a filing Wednesday, the conference argued it does not intend to punish the athletes themselves or declare them ineligible. Instead, the SEC says it has the independent authority to enforce conference rules against its schools, coaches and athletics personnel. + RELATED: SEC fires back before LSU court showdown over former pro players Why is the SEC fighting this? The SEC argues its member schools voluntarily agreed to follow conference rules and that Louisiana law allows the conference to enforce them. Sankey also argues allowing athletes to return after signing professional contracts would create a “competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness” for players who remained in college. He said allowing former professionals to occupy college roster spots could also take opportunities away from high school athletes. The athletes’ attorneys have argued the SEC cannot use conference penalties to get around court protections involving NCAA eligibility rules. The SEC denies that it acted on behalf of or in coordination with the NCAA. “The SEC is not an agent or functionary of the NCAA,” Sankey said in an affidavit filed Wednesday. What could happen to LSU? The SEC has outlined significant penalties if a member school uses a former professional athlete in violation of conference rules. They include a fine of up to 50% of the sport’s annual operating budget and a suspension of up to half the season for the head coach. The conference has also outlined the potential loss of voting privileges and additional sanctions. Sankey argues those penalties are based on disciplinary authority the conference already possessed rather than newly created SEC rules. + WHAT LSU COULD FACE: LSU could face massive fine and Kiffin suspension if former NFL players take field Who will be in court? Attorney Tony Clayton, who represents the athletes, told WAFB Wednesday that all of the players involved in the case are expected to attend Thursday’s hearing. Clayton said he was also told Sankey plans to appear. Clayton said he expects to speak with reporters after the hearing. The SEC also filed a separate request asking Jorden to narrow which of the 43 athletes can pursue claims against the conference, arguing many have eligibility disputes that do not directly involve SEC rules. Why Thursday matters for LSU There is little time between the courtroom fight and kickoff. LSU must finalize its roster Friday before opening the season against Clemson on Saturday at Tiger Stadium. That means whatever happens in court Thursday could quickly force LSU, the SEC and Kiffin to determine what comes next. + READ MORE: Dabo Swinney calls college football ‘embarrassing’ as LSU’s former NFL player fight grows Click here to report a typo. Please include the headline. Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox. Watch the latest WAFB news and weather now.