Prominent SEC head coach comments on the NCAA's punishment for the Tennessee Vols
There are plenty of folks in college football — fans, analysts, opposing players/coaches — who feel like the Tennessee Vols weren't punished harshly enough for the violations that occurred under previous head coach Jeremy Pruitt. Tennessee avoided a postseason ban, but they were hit with a significant fine (potentially over $9 million), a loss of […]
There are plenty of folks in college football — fans, analysts, opposing players/coaches — who feel like the Tennessee Vols weren't punished harshly enough for the violations that occurred under previous head coach Jeremy Pruitt.
Tennessee avoided a postseason ban, but they were hit with a significant fine (potentially over $9 million), a loss of 28 scholarships and a loss of 36 official visits (over their five-year probation period).
Pruitt and his staff allegedly paid out over $60,000 in impermissible benefits from 2018 to 2020. The penalties are harsher than the crime, but numerous folks didn't see it the same way and felt like Tennessee should've been hit with a postseason ban, too.
LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly isn't one of the folks who feels the way. Or at least if he is, he isn't saying that publicly.
Kelly was asked about Tennessee's violations/punishment on day one of SEC Media Days on Monday and he offered a very diplomatic response.
“I’m not privy to all of the information because I did not read it,” said Kelly (via Off The Hook Sports). “I saw that there was some financial sanctions that were given, and I think Coach Pruitt was given some NCAA sanctions. Again, I know it was adjudicated. I’ve been involved in those NCAA processes and they’re painstakingly vetted."
"In other words, there are so many people that have put in an incredible amount of time to get to the right conclusions," added Kelly. "It’s hard for me sitting outside looking in to be a judge of this, other than we knew it was going to be adjudicated in some fashion.”
When Kelly is done as a football coach, he might have a career in politics. Because that's about as polished of an answer as you'll hear from an SEC coach. And he answered the question without creating any controversy — which isn't necessarily typical when it comes to the SEC.
College football expert makes strong statement about Tennessee vs Georgia
A notable college football expert made a strong statement about the Tennessee Vols vs the Georgia Bulldogs
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel, Knoxville News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC
