Big 12 Conference to ban former NFL players, too

NEW YORK -- The Big 12 Conference on Wednesday followed the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences in banning players who were on NFL rosters from returning to college.

The decision by the Big 12 came a day after rulings by the SEC and Big Ten. Earlier Wednesday, the NFL made it clear that players who leave the NFL to return to college won't be allowed to come back to the league this season.

NFL executive Troy Vincent reiterated the policy at the league's meetings Wednesday, saying any player who returns to college would not be eligible to play in the NFL until 2027.

Atlantic Coast Conference leaders were also discussing the topic this week. According to the Big 12 decision, athletes would be ineligible if they declared for the draft or supplemental draft of any pro sports league and did not timely withdraw before the draft.

, have been listed on a professional roster or signed a contract to provide athletic services with any sports league.