SEC Considers Injury Reports to Boost Transparency in College Football

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is discussing the possibility of adding injury reports — also known as “availability reports” — for its football games. 

SEC Discusses Structured Injury Reporting

The move comes as a way to align with the rise of legalized sports betting and the desire for accurate information regarding player statuses. It is seen as a move toward transparency and integrity in the sport.

This was a big topic at the SEC spring meeting in Miramar Beach, Florida. Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin said it seems like that is where things are headed, reported the Athens Banner-Herald. Georgia coach Kirby Smart and former Alabama coach Nick Saban have both had to deal with divulging player conditions just before big games, highlighting the need for a more structured approach.

Disclosing player injuries became particularly noticeable before last December’s SEC Championship game. Both Georgia tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey had missed the game before due to injury, so there was some speculation about their availability. Though Smart had indicated they had not practiced much, both played. On the flip side, Alabama’s leading rusher Jase McClellan did not participate after a foot injury kept him out of practice.

SEC Weighs Injury Reports, Inspired by Big Ten and NFL Models

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has been talking actively with coaches about this idea. He said this is still in the discussion phase and not finalized yet. Sankey knows this represents a cultural shift for the SEC but it reflects broader changes across sports with respect to gambling.

Smart has cautiously supported the initiative while pointing out what he sees could be positives — gambling transparency and student-athlete protection from individuals engaging in betting activities. He further noted that many athletes are in contact with campus communities and considering the wide adoption of sports betting how this poses potential risks.

The Big Ten Conference already requires schools to submit an injury report at least two hours before kickoff. The NFL’s requirements are even more stringent than that with daily practice status updates and a comprehensive game report, which college football could follow.

There is concern about how the SEC’s traditionally competitive environment will adjust to this added transparency. Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin thinks more openness is good while Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said some will probably try to find loopholes. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian suggested fines as a deterrent similar to what the NFL does.