SEC Commish Lays Down Law on Fake Injuries
By Tucker Harlin
It’s been a rough week for Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin began his week by complaining in front of media about the lack of night games in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. He ended it by receiving news of the closure of a loophole he used to advantage against opposing offenses.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey sent a letter to coaches and ADs around the league to stop faking injuries or punishments will follow.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey today sent a memo to head coaches and athletic directors (obtained below) about feigning injuries in games and outlining the consequences if the practice continues. Memo ends with: “Play football and stop the feigned injury nonsense.” pic.twitter.com/3FqUCIBmkE
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 1, 2024
Sankey said if an incident warrants a review for a feigned injury, it will be submitted to the National Coordinator of Officials.
The first two offenses of feigning injuries will result in $50,000 and $100,000 fines for the head coaches. The third offense will result in a suspension for the head coach.
This isn’t just an Ole Miss problem as the use of these feigned injuries is at an all-time high as a strategy for defenses against fast-paced offenses. Placing a burden on officials to get the “injuries” out of the game was unfair, but something had to be done.
“Play football and stop the feigned injury nonsense” was the final sentence in Sankey’s letter.
