The Mountain West announced on Thursday that its Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a conference rule prohibiting professional athletes from competing in football, joining the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC in establishing similar restrictions.
“Consistent with NCAA eligibility standards, the Mountain West Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a conference rule prohibiting professional athletes from competing in the sport of football,” the MW said in a statement.
“Under the rule, a student-athlete shall be ineligible to represent a Mountain West institution in football if the individual: declares for a professional sports league draft and does not timely withdraw; appears on the roster of a professional sports league; or signs a contract with a professional sports league to provide athletic services.”
The announcement comes two days before the UNLV football program kicks off its season against the Memphis Tigers on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.
