Pro Players Out of College Sports | Denver News

College sports are tightening the gates: Power conferences like the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC now bar athletes who’ve joined pro rosters from returning to their college teams — a move echoing old NCAA rules. The ACC and Mountain West are joining the crackdown as athletes try to come back after NFL camps or NBA Summer Leagues. While those who just attended mini-camps without signing contracts might still have a shot, the new policies cover all sports and shut out anyone who declared for draft, was on a pro roster, or signed a contract. Colorado’s teams aren’t affected yet, and international recruits remain eligible. Athletic directors say this is about protecting college sports’ integrity — even if it’s tough for some athletes. Officials believe these rules will survive legal challenges, trusting their commissioners and lawyers to handle the chaos. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f1f504b9730adefa