Oklahoma AD Calls Out Sankey, SEC for Forfeit Threat and Rescheduling Ole Miss Game

Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny is unhappy about the SEC's decision to move the Sooners' scheduled game against Mississippi from Saturday to Sunday stemming from the FAA grounding all flights for a few hours on Friday.

In a statement posted on X, Denny wrote that SEC commissioner Greg Sankey indicated Oklahoma it would forfeit the game if it refused to go ahead with the planned Sunday start time and cited the "significant impact" changing the day of the game creates for fans planning to attend.

"After multiple conversations with the league office, Commissioner [Greg] Sankey informed us of his decision to move our game to Sunday, over our strong objection. ... He further informed us that our failure to play on Sunday at the directed time would result in a forfeit.

"Rescheduling the game has a significant impact, particularly on our fans. Those who have made travel arrangements, accommodations, and personal plans around a Saturday game now face unnecessary disruption and hardship. Their time, commitment, and investment deserve greater consideration than they were afforded in the conference's decision tonight."

Denny did note the university recognizes the "extraordinary circumstances" created by the ground stoppage and Mississippi "explored every avenue" to get to Norman to play on Saturday, but the Rebels were "unable to find a solution" that would give them enough time.

The SEC said in a statement announcing the change that Ole Miss was "unable to depart" from Oxford and a "late-night departure could not be accommodated" after the the stoppage was. lifted.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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