OXFORD, MS – The SEC announced Wednesday that this season’s highly anticipated LSU-Ole Miss showdown has officially been upgraded from a football game to a legal proceeding, requiring three referees, two federal judges, and a court reporter positioned along the sideline.
Conference officials said the additional staff became necessary after Ole Miss filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $1 million from former Rebels Devin Harper and Princewill Umanmielen, who transferred to LSU following Lane Kiffin’s departure to Baton Rouge. With the rivalry already reaching a boiling point, the SEC concluded it was only a matter of time before someone attempted to subpoena the offensive coordinator or the strength coach.
Under the revised rules, any penalty challenges will now be heard during brief evidentiary hearings, with targeting calls possibly having to receive cross-examination. Any player considering entering the transfer portal will be required to state their intentions under oath before taking the field.
ESPN confirmed it has added a legal analyst to the broadcast alongside the usual rules expert.
LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin says he’s completely unconcerned, noting noting that his game plan now includes several motions, multiple appeals, and least one cease and desist which he plans to serve to the line judge sometime in the 3rd quarter.
