LSU reaction to SEC's latest filing in ongoing lawsuit

An LSU official had no comment in response to The Daily Advertiser when asked on Tuesday, Oct. 13, about the SEC's latest effort to keep its federal lawsuit against the school alive.The SEC filed a response in opposition to LSU's motion to dismiss the lawsuit on the Oct. 13 deadline ordered by U.S. District Judge Annemarie Carney Axon, per court filings obtained by The Tuscaloosa News. The conference maintained that the dispute extends beyond the eligibility of two former professional football players and a Sept. 10 meeting of conference presidents and chancellors, and insisted that LSU's "motion to dismiss should be denied."In its conclusion, the conference stated, "A live controversy exists between the parties and no doctrine prevents thisCourt from adjudicating the SEC’s claims against Defendants."REQUIRED READING: SEC files response in opposition to LSU's motion to dismiss lawsuitThe SEC argues that the lawsuit concerns LSU's alleged lack of institutional control, continued defiance of conference rules and the potential for interference with any future attempt to terminate LSU's membership.SEC argues 'broader dispute' in 'live controversy' with LSU remains unresolvedLSU has maintained that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the two players at the center of the original dispute were not included on its football roster, and the Sept. 10 league meeting proceeded without interference. The SEC maintains that neither factor resolves the "broader dispute.""This case addresses a broader dispute: Defendants' complete lack of institutional control over LSU's athletic programs, their ongoing defiance of the Conference's Professionalism Rules, and the very real threat ... that Defendants will interfere with any effort to terminate LSU's membership in the Conference," the filing states.The SEC originally filed its lawsuit Sept. 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, seeking to protect what it argues is its First Amendment right of expressive association, including the ability to disassociate from LSU without interference.In its latest filing, the SEC argues that its claims are "not moot," meaning the circumstances that prompted the lawsuit have not changed enough to eliminate the legal issues. The conference also maintains that it has standing to pursue the lawsuit and that its claims are "ripe for adjudication."Additionally, the SEC disputes arguments concerning sovereign immunity, jurisdiction and venue, maintaining that the federal court in Alabama has the authority to hear the case.The legal dispute spawned from LSU's pursuit of former Ole Miss football players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris − both of whom had spent time with NFL teams − although neither ultimately appeared on LSU's football roster.Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for The Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@usatodayco.com.Cory Diaz of The Daily Advertiser contributed to this story.This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU reaction to SEC's latest filing in ongoing lawsuit