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Oxford Today
By the People, for the People
Ole Miss Coach Sparks Controversy Over Family Demands
Judge says players must prioritize football over family during season
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Ole Miss head coach Joe Judge made controversial comments during a court hearing for quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, saying players with families must be "detached" from their newborns and partners during the season and prioritize football above all else.
Why it matters
Judge's comments have sparked outrage and debate around the expectations placed on college athletes, especially those with families, and the potential conflicts between their personal lives and the demands of their sport.
The details
During the hearing, where Chambliss was seeking an additional year of eligibility, Judge said that players with pregnant partners or newborns would need to "let him sleep" and not "wake up for midnight feedings" during the season, as their "priority" must be "to play good football." Judge argued this is a "day-by-day production business" where players cannot be distracted by family matters.
- The hearing took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The players
Joe Judge
The head coach of the Ole Miss football team, who made the controversial comments about players prioritizing football over family.
Trinidad Chambliss
The Ole Miss quarterback who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking an additional year of eligibility after helping lead the Rebels to the CFP semifinals in the 2025-26 season.
What they’re saying
“We would have to educate significant others who may have been pregnant during the season or are gonna have a baby during the season, and you'd have to educate them on — you have this baby in the middle of the season, that father has to play good football.”
— Joe Judge, Head Coach, Ole Miss (clutchpoints.com)
What’s next
The judge in Chambliss' case will rule on whether he will be granted an additional year of eligibility.
The takeaway
Judge's comments have sparked outrage and debate around the expectations placed on college athletes, especially those with families, and the potential conflicts between their personal lives and the demands of their sport. This raises questions about work-life balance, player welfare, and the priorities of college athletics programs.
