Texas Coach Addresses Fake Injuries in SEC.
As Texas navigates its first season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), head coach Steve Sarkisian is making sure
his team understands that success in the SEC goes beyond just talent and strategy. Integrity, particularly when it
comes to sportsmanship and fairness, will play a pivotal role in how the Longhorns are viewed within one of the
toughest conferences in college football.
In a recent press conference, Sarkisian addressed a rising issue in college football—fake injuries—something that has
become a controversial topic in the SEC over recent seasons. Coaches, players, and fans alike have expressed
frustration with the practice of faking injuries, a tactic sometimes used to disrupt the flow of the game or slow down
an offense. While not exclusive to any one conference, the issue has taken on a heightened significance in the SEC,
where fast-paced offenses and high stakes lead to intense scrutiny of every play.
A Call for Ethical Play.
Sarkisian’s comments on fake injuries were clear and direct, emphasizing that such actions have no place in the game
and detract from the sport’s integrity. “We talk about integrity all the time within our program,” said Sarkisian. “We
want our players to do things the right way. That means respecting the game, respecting your opponent, and
respecting the officials. That includes not taking shortcuts to gain an advantage, whether that’s faking an injury or
doing anything else that isn’t in the spirit of competition.”
The issue of fake injuries has become more prevalent in high-stakes games, particularly when an offense is on a roll
or a defense is struggling to keep up. Players may go down with what appears to be an injury in order to stop the
clock, give the defense a breather, or disrupt an offensive rhythm. While some may argue that it’s a clever tactic to
slow down fast-paced offenses, others view it as unsportsmanlike conduct that undermines the integrity of the game.
Sarkisian’s stance on the matter is clear: sportsmanship must always take precedence over gamesmanship. “It’s not
what we stand for, and it’s certainly not what we want to be known for,” he added. “We want to be known for playing
the game the right way and earning everything we get.”
Texas’ Role in the SEC’s Culture.
As Texas moves deeper into SEC territory, Sarkisian understands the importance of setting a positive example for
both his players and the rest of the conference. The SEC, with its rich history of intense rivalries and high-pressure
games, demands a certain level of accountability from its teams, not just on the field, but in how they approach the
game off the field as well. Sarkisian, who took over as head coach at Texas in 2021, has already made it clear that the
Longhorns will be held to a higher standard, and that includes their conduct in the heat of competition.
In his first few years at Texas, Sarkisian has stressed the importance of building a strong, disciplined team. His
emphasis on character and integrity aligns with his broader vision for the program, where player development
extends beyond just physical skills. Sarkisian wants the Longhorns to be known for their hard work, sportsmanship,
and commitment to doing things the right way.
“I want to make sure we’re instilling the right values in our players from day one,” Sarkisian explained. “It’s
important that when we walk onto that field, we do it with pride. We want to be able to say that we were never part of
any controversy. That’s the kind of team I want to build at Texas.”
The Bigger Picture: Protecting the Game.
Sarkisian’s comments also tie into a broader issue affecting college football as a whole. In recent years, there has
been a growing concern over the “pace of play” debate, particularly with the rise of up-tempo offenses that push the
game at a fast pace. Some teams, particularly those with high-octane offenses, argue that slowing down the game
with fake injuries or other tactics can be seen as a strategy to disrupt their rhythm and create an advantage for the
defense. However, this kind of gamesmanship risks damaging the reputation of the sport and diluting its competitive
spirit.
By speaking out against this practice, Sarkisian is sending a message that Texas is committed to protecting the
integrity of college football. He understands that the game’s reputation depends not just on how well teams perform
but also on how fairly the game is played.
A Longhorns Culture of Respect.
The Longhorns’ recent success on the field, combined with Sarkisian’s leadership off the field, has helped to create a
culture of respect and accountability in Austin. For Texas to thrive in the SEC, it must do more than just compete.
The team must earn the respect of their peers by playing the game in a way that reflects the values of sportsmanship
and fair play. As the Longhorns continue to grow in the SEC, they will undoubtedly face challenges—both on and off
the field. But as Sarkisian made clear, they will always strive to face those challenges with integrity.
For Texas, the message is clear: It’s not just about winning the game; it’s about winning the right way. And under
Sarkisian, the Longhorns are committed to doing just that.
