Greg Sankey says SEC will discuss implementing mandatory availability reports
Published:
Greg Sankey met with reporters in advance of the SEC’s springs meetings on Monday.
Sankey said one of the items on the agenda for SEC leaders to discuss is the possibility of introducing standardized “availability reports” leading up to games.
Greg Sankey, speaking to a group here in Destin before SEC meetings begin Tuesday, says the SEC will hold conversations this week about the possible implementation of college athlete “availability reports” leading up to games.
The ol injury report thing might finally happen.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 27, 2024
This is a measure that the Big Ten instituted last August, becoming the first power conference to do so. The Big Ten requires its programs to submit athlete availability reports at least 2 hours before kickoff.
The need for injury reports is largely driven by sportsbooks and bettors. When player absences (due to injury, suspension, etc) go unreported, it can lead to less-accurate betting lines.
Sankey did tell reporters that he doesn’t expect a decision on availability reports to be made this week. The Big Ten did not officially announce their mandatory injury reports until Aug. 25, 2023 — just days before the regular season began.
The 2024 regular season is just a few months away. The first SEC games are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29. The first SEC game between conference foes is scheduled for Sept. 7 when Kentucky hosts South Carolina.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
