SEC says suspensions, fines for any who break mask protocols
Commissioner’s Oct. 6 memo lays out the rules
Saturday’s FSU-at-Notre Dame and Miamigames were not completed in time for this edition. Read the late game story in our e-edition at OrlandoSentinel. or on our website.
Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey is threatening schools with $100,000fines and individuals with suspensions if coaches fail to keep masks on during gamesas the league tries to play throughthe coronavirus pandemic.
A memo from Sankey to conference coaches and athletic directors, dated Oct. 6, includes a section on “Masks and Sideline Hygiene.” The memo was obtained by the Associated Press on Thursday and first reported by ESPN.
The SEC’s return to practice and play protocols require the wearing of face coverings on the sideline by all coaches and teampersonnel to mitigate the spread of the virus. A Sept. 30 memo after the opening weekend of the SEC season included a reminder to coaches to be mindful of masking up and following other sideline protocols.
According to the latest memo, going forward SEC schools will be “assessed a $100,000reduction in Conference revenue” for failure to adhere to requirements. Repeat offenders will face an increase in lost revenue by $100,000 per offense and even suspensions, the memo said.
“In addition, individualswhofail to comply with or disregard the masking requirement could be subject to penalties, including but not limited to, suspension for a specified period,” Sankeywrote.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this week issued a similarly stern warning to follow protocols as the league grapples with positive cases. The NFL has fined several coaches $100,000 for improper use of face coverings and docked their teams $250,000. Georgia coach Kirby Smart acknowledged this week he had been talked to by the commissioner and others about keeping his mask on.
“I just have to figure out a way to get it tighter and more comfortable on there,” he said. “The biggest thing is when you’re in the middle of coaching and talking to somebody, youhave to get comfortable being able to leave it up and leave it on.”
ACCcommissioner John Swofford sent a memo Sept. 15 to its schools after the first week of games, including a section emphasizing face coverings onthe sideline withno threat of penalties. Swofford wrote he had instructed football officials to not talk with coaches during a game if the coachwas not “appropriately wearing their face covering .”