Ole Miss raised eyebrows and received some attention over the weekend when it was reported that the Rebels had a 100 percent vaccination rate against COVID-19 within their program.

Since then, coach Lane Kiffin has offered his perspective on the issue and what it means to him.

“I think it’s irresponsible to not to get the vaccine,” Kiffin said. “I realize I’ll be criticized for that, but I just do. I’m proud of the vaccination part (being 100 percent vaccinated as a program). Our players, our staff, really everyone in contact with our players…a lot of people…I think that shows a lot about their safety but also their commitment to each other…not just to protect themselves but to protect against bringing something in here.”

The original report from ESPN about he high vaccination rate noted that it was collective push within the Ole Miss athletic program in a state that ranked last a week ago in percentage of residents receiving at least one vaccination dose (41.6 percent), according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey reported at SEC Media Days that 6 of the 14 SEC football teams had reached the 80 percent threshold for vaccinations that Sankey himself set. It was unclear if Ole Miss was in that group, but multiple reports suggested that 4 of the 6 programs were known to be Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Arkansas.