SEC Commissioner Calls NCAA Tampering Rules 'Archaic'

Sankey says the NCAA needs to quickly adjust policies to match the changing landscape of college sports.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:57am

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Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey criticized the NCAA's language covering tampering rules as 'archaic' and called for the oversight body to quickly update its policies to match the evolving landscape of college sports, which now includes name-image-likeness payments, liberal transfer rules, and increased agent influence.

Why it matters

Tampering has become a major issue in college sports, with high-profile incidents like the Clemson-Mississippi case highlighting the need for clearer rules. As the leaders of major conferences, Sankey's comments carry significant weight and put pressure on the NCAA to modernize its approach.

The details

Sankey stopped short of urging the NCAA to halt tampering investigations, unlike the Big Ten conference. However, he said school leaders meeting with NCAA President Charlie Baker this week pressed for quick changes to the 'archaic' language around tampering rules. Sankey argued the NCAA needs to better understand 'how this game is being played' in the new era of college sports.

  • The comments were made on Saturday, March 15, 2026 at the SEC basketball tournament in Nashville, Tennessee.

The players

Greg Sankey

The commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Charlie Baker

The president of the NCAA.

Dabo Swinney

The head football coach of Clemson University.

Pete Golding

The head football coach of the University of Mississippi.

Luke Ferrelli

A linebacker who transferred from the University of California to Clemson University and then to the University of Mississippi.

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What they’re saying

“We need clarity. Secondly, we need understanding on the part of policymakers of what's actually happening. How's this game being played? That doesn't mean the NCAA should just stop. But the notion that a memo would be sent and that changes things when the NCAA is perceived as sitting on the sidelines, that's not a workable solution.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner (wbal.com)

What’s next

School leaders are set to meet with NCAA President Charlie Baker this week to further discuss updating the NCAA's tampering rules and policies.

The takeaway

Sankey's comments highlight the growing tension between the NCAA's outdated rules and the rapidly evolving landscape of college sports. As the influence of agents, name-image-likeness deals, and liberal transfer policies continue to reshape the industry, the NCAA will face increasing pressure to modernize its approach to issues like tampering.