Off the wire | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

A Louisiana court issued a temporary restraining order allowing certain athletes—some who have signed NFL contracts—to return to college athletics, ESPN reported Wednesday. The order includes former Oregon State running back Anthony Hankerson (Seattle Seahawks), former Florida and LSU pass rusher Jack Pyburn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and ex-Mississippi starters Dae’Quan Wright (Cleveland Browns) and Wydett Williams (Arizona Cardinals). NFL rosters must be trimmed to 53 players by Aug. 30, so players who miss out may seek a college fallback if the NCAA appeal fails. ESPN said 16 football players were part of a broader lawsuit involving 33 athletes across sports for a fifth year of eligibility.