BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference presidents on Wednesday formally confirmed the new penalties regarding the recent controversial banning of NFL players from returning to college athletic programs, according to ESPN’S Pete Thamel.

The new SEC policy bans players who have declared for the draft of, signed a contract with, or been listed on a roster in the NFL, NBA and WNBA, including any of their affiliate leagues.
The ruling comes after the national spotlight was put on LSU football and basketball for recruiting multiple players who were previously on professional rosters.

The SEC presidents confirmed the new penalties in a 15-0 vote, with LSU reportedly abstaining from voting. There was an initial vote of 16-0 on Tuesday.

Schools that violate the SEC's professional sports rule will result in several consequences, according to On3. Penalties include a 50% season suspension for head coaches, 50% of that sport's annual operating budget and SEC voting privileges on business matters revoked.

The penalties are similar to one the NCAA enforces for “ghost transfers,” or players who transfer schools without entering the transfer portal.