The SEC had a busy week at its annual spring meetings in Destin, Fla. Here’s a replay of the action on five key topics:
1. SERIOUS MISCONDUCT
What happened: SEC presidents approved a measure, proposed by Georgia, that will prevent an athlete who has been subject to disciplinary action for "serious misconduct" at any college from transferring to an SEC school to participate in athletics. The rule defines serious misconduct as "sexual assault, domestic violence or other forms of sexual violence."
What was said: "It's reassuring to know that our conference peers agreed with the proposal," Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said. "We think it sends a strong message and brings attention to really a serious issue."
What's next: The league left open the possibility of broadening the measure in the future to include other misconduct.
2. COST OF ATTENDANCE
What happened: Coaches expressed alarm about the recruiting implications of the disparities in cost-of-attendance stipends that schools can pay athletes starting this fall, but SEC officials told them a federal-court ruling precludes standardizing the stipends conference-wide.
What was said: "I think it's a concern. But I don't know if there are any answers," Georgia football coach Mark Richt said.
What's next: The SEC will require members to file written reports that provide "transparency" on their financial-aid offices' methodology for determining cost of attendance.
3. SATELLITE CAMPS
What happened: The SEC rescinded its rule against football coaches participating in satellite recruiting camps — camps held in conjunction with another institution more than 50 miles from campus — unless the NCAA bans the practice nationally by summer 2016.
What was said: "There comes a point that we need to start doing it to keep up with Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, northern schools that come into the south," South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.
What's next: The SEC will "make every effort" to have the NCAA outlaw such camps, outgoing commissioner Mike Slive said. But if those efforts fail, "Come next summer, our folks will be free to fan out all over the country and have at it."
4. FANS ON FIELD
What happened: The SEC substantially raised the fines against schools whose fans storm the field or court after games to $50,000 for a first offense, $100,000 for a second offense and $250,000 for subsequent violations.
What was said: "There's got to be a better way to celebrate a significant victory," Slive said.
What's next: The SEC hopes the fines will prove large enough to change behavior.
5. PLAYOFF BIDS
What happened: College Football Playoff officials came to the SEC meetings to announce the cities bidding to host the national championship games in January 2018, 2019 and 2020. Atlanta submitted a bid for the 2018 game in the new Falcons stadium. Other bidders for 2018 are Miami, Houston and Santa Clara, Calif.
What was said: "When the stadium was constructed is not a factor. But what the stadium offers is a factor — number of seats, fan amenities, backstage space," said Bill Hancock, playoff executive director. "We will be looking at the basics: air service, hotels, and the ability of the city to put on a big event."
What's next: The bids will be evaluated over the next few months and the winners selected this fall.
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