10
Loading video...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Alabama's quarterback situation took a surprising turn on Saturday, right before the Crimson Tide's clash with Vanderbilt in Nashville.
On Friday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that backup Austin Mack was expected to start, with Keelon Russell available if needed and the intention to give his ankle more time to heal. Russell injured his left ankle in Alabama's win over LSU last weekend in Baton Rouge.
But on Saturday, the final SEC report moved Russell up to a "game-time decision," before eventually being named the starter after looking good in warmups. The Tide went on to beat the Commodores handily 21-6, with Russell going 22 of 33 for 217 yards and three touchdowns with one interception.
Read More on NCAA
Shortly after the starting decision was made, 247Sports' Robbie Weinstein was quick to call for the SEC to look into the injury reporting further.
"Highly doubt it'll make a difference in game outcome, but should be a big fat SEC fine for Alabama for injury reporting manipulation," Weinstein wrote on X.
More news: Nick Saban Sends Message to Kamario Taylor After Mississippi State Decision
Alabama came into Saturday's game against Vanderbilt as heavy 14.5-point favorites, and that was with the expectation that Mack would get the start over Russell. The line had moved from around 15.5 points after the news that Mack would start. Considering they did just barely cover the spread with Russell getting the nod at the last minute, it's easy to see why the whole situation looks suspicious, even if it feels unlikely that there was any foul play here.
The SEC's rules specifically allow a game-time decision when warmups will determine whether a player can participate. Schools must submit an initial report Wednesday, update it Thursday and Friday, and file a final report 90 minutes before kickoff. The SEC could investigate the situation with Alabama, but to establish deliberate manipulation, they would need to determine what the team knew at each reporting deadline and whether they deliberately misrepresented Russell's availability, which may be difficult to prove.
More news: Oklahoma Legend Bob Stoops Blasts SEC Over Ole Miss Game Controversy
...
More news: Urban Meyer Sounds the Alarm on LSU Ahead of Massive Showdown With Texas
According to the SEC's availability report policy, penalties can reach $25,000 for a first offense, $50,000 for a second, and $100,000 for a third or subsequent offense. The commissioner can instead issue a warning or require additional education if a violation was inadvertent or didn't materially affect competition.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines