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Multiple SEC schools will have revenue from the conference deducted as a result of not following proper COVID-19 protocols, sources told ESPN. According to a memo sent by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey last week, schools will have their conference revenue distribution cut by $100,000 for each week that they do not follow protocols. The memo, which was obtained by ESPN, also said that suspensions will be considered for failure to comply. Underlined and bolded for emphasis, Sankey wrote, "Do not relax -- and do not let those around you relax -- because of a few weeks of success." But this week has been anything but successful for the conference, as two games -- Vanderbilt vs. Missouri and LSU vs. Florida -- were postponed as a result of coronavirus outbreaks. Also, Alabama coach Nick Saban and athletic director Greg Byrne announced Wednesday that they had tested positive for the virus. Speaking on ESPN Radio on Friday morning, Sankey said the conference would not issue statements the first time schools incurred financial penalties "but the schools can choose to do so." Subsequent penalties, which escalate in increments of $100,000, will be announced, Sankey said. "We started on Monday using broadcast game footage evaluating every time a head coach is on camera, is a mask up, yes or no?" he said. "If you don't have that mask in place a super-majority of time ... that puts you in jeopardy of a fine." Sankey said it comes down to leadership. "Our head coaches have a lot of expectations, a lot of pressure, just like me," he said. "They are leaders. They are the most visible leaders within our athletics programs, and my message is, they have a responsibility to lead."
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