TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey says the SEC is having serious talks about breaking away from the NCAA. On Monday, Sankey explained that school presidents are frustrated and considering significant changes. However, he emphasized that this isn't their preferred solution. The SEC is dealing with issues like Congressional legislation, new eligibility rules, and transparency around player payments. Despite these challenges, Sankey highlighted the league's 13 national championships last season as a reason to stay within the current framework. He believes there's value in participating in a national organization.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Missouri football coach Eli Drinkwitz says running back Ahmad Hardy, who was shot in the leg in May, has been medically cleared to return. Hardy was wounded at a concert in Mississippi on May 10. It may take five to eight weeks before he can play. Drinkwitz praised Hardy's recovery efforts and highlighted the incident as a learning opportunity for student-athletes.
UNDATED (AP) — Federal legislation could change college sports in the U.S., but the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences are negotiating for changes. The Protect College Sports Act has bipartisan support but needs backing from these conferences to pass. The SEC and Big Ten want changes to provisions about broadcasting rights and preventing a super league. They're also seeking clarity on name, image, and likeness compensation, ensuring it's not just pay-to-play. The leagues want federal law to override state laws for consistency. And they want clearer language to limit lawsuits from players about eligibility issues.
NEW YORK (AP) — The Big East Conference and seven other Division I conferences, including the Atlantic Coast Conference, have established a women’s basketball officiating alliance. The conferences have announced the goal of the alliance is to enhance the quality, consistency and development of officiating. Other conferences included in the alliance are the American Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, Big South Conference, Coastal Athletic Association, Ivy League and Metro Conference. The officiating alliance will be led by Pualani Spurlock-Welsh, who was recently named supervisor of officials for the ACC, Big East and American Conference.