SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is expecting the conference to "review its policy prohibiting alcohol sales in the general seating areas of sporting venues," according to Ross Dellenger of the Baton Rouge ADVOCATE. Speaking yesterday at the AP Sports Editors region meeting in Birmingham, Sankey said that he "believes there are 'imperfections' with the current policy, and he's had ongoing discussions" with LSU AD Joe Alleva about the issue. Sankey: "At some point, I'm relatively certain there will be further review of the prohibition. That doesn't predict any outcome. We'll see what the future holds in that policy, but right now it's in place." Dellenger notes alcohol sales right now are "only allowed in premium seating areas, including suites and club levels, according to SEC rule." Alleva has "lobbied for stadium-wide beer sales," and Sankey suggested that the conference "could discuss the topic even before the SEC spring meetings next month." Around 40 college football programs "offered beer, at least, to the general public last year, and the NCAA even allowed sales of beer at the College World Series last summer." Alcohol is "sold at most bowl games and College Football Playoff events, including bowls tied in to the SEC." LSU has "allowed alcohol sales in its premium seating of the football and baseball stadiums for years" (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 4/25).
MAY I BE EXCUSED? In Mississippi, Hugh Kellenberger reports Sankey has been "recused from the NCAA Committee on Infractions as it relates to the case against Ole Miss." Sankey: "I'm fully recused from anything involving any member university" (Jackson CLARION-LEDGER, 4/25). Meanwhile, Sankey said that he "would not comment on his involvement" in North Carolina's ongoing academic case. In Knoxville, Rhiannon Potkey notes Sankey last week "denied a request seeking his removal as head of the NCAA infractions panel handling the case because of conflict of interest" (Knoxville NEWS SENTINEL, 4/25).
