Lane Kiffin reportedly used ChatGPT to back up LSU's position in a dispute that pulled in the SEC, the NCAA, university presidents, state attorneys general, governors, and members of Congress.
Tom Mars, a sports lawyer and Kiffin's friend, told ESPN that when he raised concerns about LSU's actions, Kiffin would reply with a screenshot from ChatGPT supporting LSU's side, which Mars said was 'almost always wrong.' Mars also said he told Kiffin that 'a guy with a $91 million contract ought to have a top-notch lawyer on speed dial and not be using ChatGPT for legal advice.'
The stakes were not small. LSU had hired Kiffin in November with a seven-year, $91 million deal. The university fought to add former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to Kiffin's inaugural squad, then later announced a final 2026 roster that did not include either player. The SEC even went to court to seek a ruling that would let conference leaders representing other members meet and consider LSU's status.
If LSU had been kicked out of the SEC, the university would likely have lost lucrative conference TV rights payments. That is the kind of downside that should make any founder, executive, or coach slow down before trusting a chatbot with professional judgment.
OpenAI says users should not rely on ChatGPT as the sole source of professional advice, and that it is not 'a substitute for professional advice.' The company is also facing an Illinois federal court case in which it argues ChatGPT is not a lawyer and does not practice law. In that case, Nippon Life Insurance Company says OpenAI is to blame for inaccurate legal advice that allegedly led a former disability claimant to breach a settlement agreement.
Mars said he did not think Kiffin would keep using ChatGPT for legal advice. For leaders making decisions with real money on the line, that is the playbook: use AI for speed, not for legal cover. The moment the penalty can hit revenue, contracts, or status, the human expert has to be the final checkpoint.
