The SEC Is Banning Transfer Athletes With Domestic And Sexual Assault Histories

The SEC cracked down on athletes with a history of domestic and sexual abuse on Friday when it announced its new transfer policy. According to the rule, athletes who have “been subject to official university or disciplinary action at any time during enrollment at any previous collegiate institution (excluding limited discipline applied by a sports team, or temporary disciplinary action during an investigation) due to serious misconduct” will be prohibited from joining SEC schools. The conference defines “serious misconduct” as “sexual assault, domestic violence or other forms of sexual violence.”

According to SI.com, the rule was proposed by the University of Georgia, which kicked defensive tackle Jonathan Taylor off of the team in July of 2014 after he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Taylor went to junior college, then transferred to Alabama earlier this year. Taylor has since been kicked off of Nick Saban’s squad due to a domestic violence incident.

There is a waiver process for athletes who are considered special circumstances, which would lead to the commissioner’s office reviewing and making a ruling on their case.

This is a great move by the SEC. Hopefully other conferences follow suit with a similar rule in the future.

(via Dr. Saturday)