Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is known for his candidness. Following Georgia’s win over Texas in the SEC championship, he didn’t hold back when he criticized SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.
“It means rest for a team that Greg Sankey and his staff sent on the road all year long,” Smart remarked. “We get to take a little break and prepare for the College Football Playoff. This team needs some mental rest and a bit of time off.”
This season, Georgia has faced a challenging road schedule, with both of their losses occurring away games against Alabama and Ole Miss, and their initial game against Texas also being on the road.
Sankey was not pleased with the comment, as captured on camera when he frowned at Smart afterward. SEC football analyst Paul Finebaum also found the remark inappropriate.
“While I have great respect for Kirby Smart, I thought it was inappropriate for him to criticize the commissioner right next to him while receiving the trophy,” Finebaum said on Monday. “What was the purpose of taking a jab at the SEC commissioner who had no role in scheduling that?”
“… For someone like Kirby Smart, who rarely makes mistakes, I thought it was quite unfair. Couldn’t he say that without calling out the person next to him who’s presenting the championship trophy?”
Looking ahead, Georgia will face Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas at home in 2025. Nonetheless, it was clear from Sankey’s expression that he was not pleased by the comment.
