Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler call for punishment on ‘suspicious’ act during live ESPN college football broadcast
ESPN broadcasters Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit came up with a ‘simple solution’ for a ‘suspicious’ on-field act.
And Fowler reckons it would act as a punishment or deterrent in case of gamesmanship.
The top ESPN college football crew called Georgia’s win over Tennessee on Saturday night.
During the third quarter, Georgia was putting together a drive and beginning to gather momentum.
Tennessee star Omarr Norman-Lott then fell to the floor and was attended to by a member of the team’s medical staff.
“They’re booing because they think Tennessee might be faking an injury to slow down this momentum,” Herbstreit noted.
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And Fowler joked, “That wouldn’t happen in the SEC would it?”
Herbstreit then also referenced a letter from SEC commissioner Greg Sankey to head coaches.
Sankey told the teams, “Stop any and all activity related to faking injuries.”
And he signed off the letter by warning, “Play football and stop the feigned injury nonsense.”
There was also a list of punishments set out, with the first offense resulting in a $50,000 fine for the head coach.
A second offense carries a $100,000 fine while a third offense results in a suspension.
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Herbstreit admitted that Norman-Lott falling to the turf, “would be one of those where you look at it and have to question it.”
The ESPN broadcast then showed a replay of the incident which resulted in the apparent injury.
“He’s right here and looks to be fine,” Herbstreit said with Norman-Lott circled.
“He’s looking over to the sideline and takes it down.”
And his partner Fowler intervened to provide an answer to the problem.
How the 12-team CFP works
The first ever 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off on Friday, December 20.
But who will get in?
The highest four ranked conference champions will all be guaranteed a first-round bye into the quarterfinals around New Year.
The fifth highest ranked conference champion will also be assured a place, regardless of if they’re ranked in the top 12 teams in the nation.
That ensures a champion from one of the second tier of conferences will get a chance to play for the national championship.
Teams seeded five through eight will host a first round playoff game on Friday, 20 or Saturday 21 December.
And they will go up against the teams seeded nine through 12.
All of these rankings and seedings are decided by the CFP committee – based on record and strength of schedule among other factors.
This year’s National Championship Game will take place on Monday, January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
“When you look at the sidelines before going down, it’s suspicious,” Fowler said.
“There’s a simple solution for this.
“If you come off like that you’re done for the series.
“However long the drive lasts, you’re out.
“If you’re seriously hurt, you wouldn’t be able to come back anyway.
“If you’re not, you’re just done.”
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Herbstreit agreed and called the idea “great” while live on air.
No. 12 ranked Georgia won 31-17 and over No. 7 ranked Tennessee to keep their hopes of making the playoff alive.
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