Lane Kiffin gives unexpected answer when asked about SEC’s fake injury release

Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels scored an affirming win over Arkansas in Fayetteville Saturday, with Jaxson Dart and Jordan Watkins connecting for 5 touchdowns before the dust settled.

One question Kiffin fielded in the postgame press conference wasn’t about this matchup at all, though. Instead, he was asked to comment on the recent memo sent out by Greg Sankey ordering SEC programs to stop instructing players to fake injuries as a strategic advantage in quick-tempo situations

This memo included the punishment that will befall coaches who continue to try this tactic. Offenses 1 and 2 will draw a fine on the head coach while the 3rd offense will result in a suspension for the next contest, per the memo.

Let’s address the elephant in the room here. Ole Miss, though not the only school to use this tactic, has been especially criticized for appearing to fake injuries to slow the tempo of an opposing team. But Kiffin’s answer Saturday appeared to imply that he viewed his use of the controversial tactic as simply fighting fire with fire.

He told reporters he’s actually glad the memo was sent out.

“I’m glad. We’re a tempo offense. It happens to us. It happened last week. It may surprise you but I was very happy.”

-Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin on the recent release from the SEC regarding fake injuries.

— Brad Logan (@BradLoganCOTE) November 2, 2024

Hopefully, Sankey’s memo to the SEC truly ends the fake injury trend moving forward.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.