📡 SEC warns of fines, bans for coronavirus protocol violations - ESPN

[SEC Sports]

SEC warns of fines, bans for COVID-19 violations

A memo from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey stated, "Do not relax -- and do not let those around you relax -- because of a few weeks of success" following coronavirus protocols.

www.espn.com

For the second straight week, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey sent out an internal memo to athletic directors and coaches on the need to follow coronavirus protocols, this time outlining fines and possible suspensions in the event that they do not do so.

The memo, which was obtained by ESPN, cited the recent spread of the coronavirus in the White House and the effect of positive tests on the NFL schedule.

Bolded and underlined for emphasis, the memo stated, "Do not relax -- and do not let those around you relax -- because of a few weeks of success."

The memo states that programs whose coaches, staff or other personnel fail to adhere to the approved task force requirements will be assessed a $100,000 reduction in conference revenue. The amount will increase by $100,000 for each subsequent week of noncompliance.

"The imposition of any reduction in Conference revenue for failure to substantially comply with or repeated disregard of the SEC masking requirement will be determined at the Commissioner's discretion," the memo states. "In addition, individuals who fail to comply with or disregard the masking requirement could be subject to penalties, including but not limited to, suspension for a specified period."

In consecutive weeks, high-profile SEC games have featured coaches improperly wearing their face coverings. Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was shown frequently with his mask pulled down during his team's win over LSU on Sept. 26, and on Saturday, Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher was shown repeatedly not wearing his face covering during the TV broadcast of the Aggies' loss to Alabama.

Last week, Sankey sent a memo to coaches and ADs following the league's opening weekend reminding everyone to wear face coverings and saying that "additional action" could be taken if they do not follow protocol.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

????
Coaches haveto wear and players dont....

maybe i missed something!

 

[mando]

Yeah this is one of those head scratchers, they are outside and spend a lot of time in their teams bubble and get tested often. Honestly seems to be more about being able to say we are doing everything we can to limit spreading. Unfortunately not sure it meets the common sense test but does give talking heads something to talk about.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

Yeah this is one of those head scratchers, they are outside and spend a lot of time in their teams bubble and get tested often. Honestly seems to be more about being able to say we are doing everything we can to limit spreading. Unfortunately not sure it meets the common sense test but does give talking heads something to talk about.

but...so far its working in SEC....and have i enjoyed the games...
Bamas and many others

 

[mando]

but...so far its working in SEC....and have i enjoyed the games...
Bamas and many others

Agree it is working even with the staff doing what they are doing on the sideline that Sankey is complaining about. I think this is because of what they are doing during the week not because they let a mask slide down on gameday. More perception than reality. Reduce risk during the week has more to do with what is going on so far than what is happening on gameday on the sideline.

 

[rick4bama]

 

[TerryP]

In consecutive weeks, high-profile SEC games have featured coaches improperly wearing their face coverings. Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was shown frequently with his mask pulled down during his team's win over LSU on Sept. 26, and on Saturday, Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher was shown repeatedly not wearing his face covering during the TV broadcast of the Aggies' loss to Alabama.

Agree it is working even with the staff doing what they are doing on the sideline that Sankey is complaining about. I think this is because of what they are doing during the week not because they let a mask slide down on gameday.

I mentioned that about Fisher during the game last week suggesting Sankey's first letter didn't resonate and he'd be upset. No doubt in my mind a lot of what we're seeing from Sankey, as well as UA in a lot of situations, is about the optics.

Leach took it a step farther this week when a NYT's reporter threw a mask question at him (that follows his comments about the mask conversations being a homage to politics.) While it's Leach being Leach, I can't imagine the interview sat well with Sankey.

 

[bama alum]

I mentioned that about Fisher during the game last week suggesting Sankey's first letter didn't resonate and he'd be upset. No doubt in my mind a lot of what we're seeing from Sankey, as well as UA in a lot of situations, is about the optics.

Leach took it a step farther this week when a NYT's reporter threw a mask question at him (that follows his comments about the mask conversations being a homage to politics.) While it's Leach being Leach, I can't imagine the interview sat well with Sankey.

Face sock and homage to politicians...I'd love to be the MSU beat writer. It's better than being that idiot Giullenbeau (sp - whatever) when he was covering Les Miles. Laughs a minute.

I'm talking all the time in the classroom. I bought some brackets similar to these from amazon (I don't think I paid $9 for them though). They help a lot.

 

[UAgrad93]

Leach is a national treasure fellas!! Dude should be a first ballot HoF for his pressers.
As far as a fine goes, so far it looks like Fisher will be getting one after today. Dude looks like he is wearing a scarf instead of a neck gaiter for a face covering.

 

[mando]

People will follow State football now just to hear Leach speak. Probably the same with Kiffin once he gets a big win under his belt and starts feeling his oats so to speak (and he will just hopefully not today).

 

[bama alum]

I guess Jimbo is going to cost tamu $100K. With a $75 million contract, I think he'll shrug it off, especially after this win.