SEC threatens fines, suspensions for COVID-19 violations

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has sent a memo to league athletic directors and coaches threatening fines and suspensions if they and/or their programs fail to comply with health and safety protocols for completing the college football season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"The imposition of any reduction in Conference revenue for failure to substantially comply with or repeated disregard of the SEC masking requirement will be determined at the Commissioner's discretion," the memo reads, per Alex Scarborough of ESPN. 

"In addition, individuals who fail to comply with or disregard the masking requirement could be subject to penalties, including but not limited to, suspension for a specified period."

Scarborough also reported staff or other personnel who fail to comply with guidelines could receive a $100,000 reduction in conference revenue, with fines increasing by $100,000 for each violation. 

The memo comes in the wake of multiple SEC coaches failing to properly wear masks or other face coverings on sidelines during games, and as the Tennessee Titans of the NFL continue to battle a coronavirus outbreak that reportedly has some clubs wanting the Titans to forfeit at least this Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills because some Tennessee players broke protocols by hosting a workout after team personnel tested positive for the virus. 

Earlier this week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell warned he could strip draft picks and even force forfeits if team personnel violate guidelines and make a club unable to play a game or multiple contests. NFL coaches have already received fines of $100,000 each for not correctly wearing face coverings on sidelines.