“In just a few weeks, stadiums across the Southeastern Conference will once again come alive. Families will gather. Campuses will fill. Rivalries will be renewed. New leaders will emerge. New champions will be crowned.
Every season begins with hope and possibility. Our
“Whether we discuss the future of the College Football Playoff or the future of SEC Football, our responsibility is not to chase the next headline or simply react to the issue of the day. Our responsibility is to make principled decisions that strengthen college football,
“When you look at our schedule, no one has created the kind of weekly competition our fans will experience in the Southeastern Conference. If we believe we are the best conference in college football, we should also be willing to embrace the best schedule in college football.”
“We recognize that a nine-game conference schedule, coupled with our longstanding requirement to play a quality non-conference opponent, creates one of the most demanding schedules in college football. After years of thoughtful discussion, careful analysis and spirited debate,
“Leadership is not about having an immediate answer. Leadership is about asking the right questions before making decisions that will shape the future. Some decisions—like expanding the CFP format—are too important to make before we have the right information.”
#SECMD26
“If Congress is going to act—and I believe it should—we have one opportunity to get this right. If a bill is passed, Congress will not return in a year or two to fix errors or fill in the gaps. That is why it is important the common-sense issues we have raised be addressed now
“There are four principles we believe should guide any federal legislation:
First, national standards must be enforceable.
Second, the framework adopted should truly be national.
Third, transparency and accountability are essential.
Finally, the legislation should treat
“We believe changes to the Protect College Sports Act are necessary. The changes we have suggested are both achievable and reasonable, and we are committed to working with Congress to help move this legislation across the finish line.”
#SECMD26
“The Senate bill contains many provisions we support, including enhanced protections for student-athlete health and safety, educational opportunities, scholarship protections, oversight of agents, increased student-athlete participation in governance, and national standards
“The message from student-athletes’ remains the clearest message we have heard: hold everyone to the same standard.
Congress has no shortage of critical issues competing for its attention, and we appreciate the bipartisan work of members of the House and Senate, as well as the
“One of the greatest responsibilities before us is establishing a stable national framework for college athletics.
Over, and over, our student-athletes tell us the same thing. When they line up for kickoff, tipoff, the first pitch, or step into the starting blocks, they want to
“Our responsibility is not simply to celebrate victories and championships. Our responsibility is to provide the leadership needed to preserve the values, opportunities and competitive integrity that have made college athletics so meaningful for generations.”
#SECMD26
