Southeastern Conference spring meeting begins with some tough issues
By Ronald Evans
The Southeastern Conference spring league meeting begins in Destin, FL on May 28. In a setting of fun and sun, tough issues will be discussed.
It always seems a bit ironic the Southeastern Conference chooses such a laid back setting for its spring meeting. If there is one sure thing about the high-octane SEC, laid back, it isn’t.
Just steps away from a sun-swept beach, there are agenda issues that are sure to bring disagreement. And there is one non-agenda item that will come up in most media questions about the state of basketball in the SEC.
A healthy portion of the time will be spent in self-congratulatory praise. It will not be undeserved. Southeastern Conference football programs gained four of the top eight spots in the final AP Poll. Alabama was No. 2, LSU, No. 6, Georgia and Florida tied at No. 7.
In men’s basketball. the final Coaches poll had four teams in the top 15. Auburn finished No. 5, Kentucky was No. 7, Tennessee made the top 10 at No. 10 and LSU came in at No. 15. For Alabama basketball fans who want to be reminded, Nate Oats’ Buffalo team finished at No. 17.
The seat assignments will be shuffles for the Athletic Directors this year. Scott Woodward relocated from College Station to Baton Rouge. Ross Bjork left Oxford, MS for College Station. Keith Carter is the new interim Athletic Director at Ole Miss.
One part of the celebration may be quieter this year. According to Dennis Dodd,
"If it’s all about money — and frequently it is all about money — the SEC has some work to do. The Big Ten earlier this month announced a 48 percent increase in revenue, making the Large 14 the richest conference in history — by far. This means a lot to the SEC, if only from a pride standpoint. The two leagues have separated themselves from the rest of college sports in terms of money"
That will go down with the SEC powerbrokers about as well as a hot mint julep at Churchill Downs. Money should not be the only source of concern in Destin. A recent NCAA discussion about athletes being able to sell their name and likeness while still retaining amateur status will be a hop button. For example, who will determine how much money (let’s say Auburn) can quietly arrange in advance for an incoming transfer, QB-savior to earn for a local car dealer commercial?
Yes, the question presumes much. But if the answer is the NCAA will have a plan to control and enforce it, you obviously have not followed the FBI investigation into college basketball.
There will be some consternation over sports gambling. As the states where it is legal grows, the NCAA has indicated it is willing to consider some form of injury reports. The SEC football coaches may be unanimous in opposition to such reports.
The other potentially contentious issue is alcohol sales in SEC stadiums and arenas. According to Dodd, “55 FBS schools sell alcohol at games.” This issue can be legitimately tied to security, but mostly it is both directly and indirectly about money. The indirect part is it is getting harder to get fans to football games. Are more enticements needed? Or is the cost of tickets a bigger problem?
The other thorny issue is transfers have become just as Nick Saban argued they would. Free agency has changed the game of college football and many Power Five coaches are not happy about it. Dodd reported 106 SEC football players were recently in the transfer portal.
Perhaps the most interesting story that will come out of the spring meeting will be answers to media questions about Will Wade and LSU basketball. Southeastern Conference ADs and head coaches will be guarded. Most will demur enough to say little. But there is always a chance for a Steve Spurrier moment when a blurted response reveals surprising acrimony and maybe even honesty.
Greg Sankey will also probably be asked when it will be known if any Southeastern Conference schools will receive a Notice of Allegation from the NCAA. He will, of course, give a serious and substance-less response.