Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive didnt use notes and didnt know how long he spoke. His message to his football coaches and athletic directors Wednesday couldnt be clearer: Stop the public verbal sparring of the past few months. Now.

I had all 5-9, 170 pounds of me into every word I said, Slive said.

Slive hasnt been happy about the string of public exchanges over the past few months, almost all involving new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin.

Coaches said the commissioner didnt mince words behind closed doors Wednesday during joint session of football coaches and athletic directors at the leagues annual spring business meetings. He once again pointed out that the SEC set principles for all its coaches in 2004.

Weve made tremendous progress on keeping the news about the players and not about matters that take place off the field. And I reiterated that, Slive told reporters later.

Slives reminder came after another public exchange Tuesday involving Kiffin. South Carolinas Steve Spurrier confronted Kiffin in front of the media after being told that Kiffin said that he has never received an apology from Spurrier after the Gamecocks coach publicly questioned whether he had passed the NCAA recruiting test before calling prospects.

Spurrier turned and saw Kiffin, who was waiting to board an elevator after a meeting of all the coaches.

I didnt accuse you of cheating, Spurrier said, while pointing at Kiffin. I said, Is it permissible to call recruits before hes announced as head coach, before you take the test?

Spurrier turned back to the reporters and added, He took the test online, and I didnt know you could do that. I thought you had to take the test on campus, then get announced.

Kiffin, clearly embarrassed, mumbled something inaudible. When the elevator finally arrived, Kiffin, Kentuckys Rich Brooks, Auburns Gene Chizik and Arkansas Bobby Petrino got in along with Spurrier.

Spurrier again said as the doors closed, I didnt say he broke the rules. I just said, Is it permissible to make calls?

Slive said his impassioned speech wasnt directed solely at Kiffin, who has taken shots at Florida, South Carolina and Alabama. Kiffin wasnt available for comment afterward, walking out the door and heading straight for the nearest exit.

Some of the coaches who lingered said Slives emotion was obvious.

It was awesome, he came with it today, he was really good, Mississippi coach Houston Nutt said. Mike Slives got real passion, and he cares about our league. His bottom line was simple: Were a team.

Added Georgias Mark Richt, Weve got the greatest league in the country, and we dont need to do anything to detract from that. We want the attention to be on athletic and academic performance.

Athletic directors, like Auburns Jay Jacobs, also were buzzing.

He made it clear everybodys expectations and the accountability hes going to hold them to, Jacobs said. When he speaks from the heart like that, with passion and emotion, it comes through.

Slive has the power to reprimand and fine coaches if the yapping continues. But he doesnt think thats going to be necessary.

I believe they got my message, he said with a smile.

Posted on May 28th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: College football news, NCAA college football