Kirk Herbstreit, Chris Fowler accuse Tennessee, Omarr Norman-Lott of faking injury
Another big-time game in the SEC has fake injuries as a storyline. This go-round in Athens, where the Georgia offense was in a nice rhythm. That was until Tennessee defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott went down on the field. Trainers tended to him for a few minutes before walking under his own power to the sideline.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler were able to watch a replay and were suspicious of Norman-Lott’s intentions. It came just after a chunk play for Georgia and both teams were moving down the field. Norman-Lott was walking before going down.
“He’s right here and looks to be fine,” Herbstreit said. “Looking over to the sideline and takes it down.” Fowler added to the conversation, saying “When you look at the sidelines before going down, it’s suspicious.”
You can check out the full moment and conversation below.
Faking injuries has been a big topic this season, specifically in the SEC. Commissioner Greg Sankey sent a meme to the entire conference, warning coaches about their players pulling off the stunt. Penalties and even suspensions were threatened by the SEC.
“As of this date, it is presumed that every member of your football program – coaches, staff, student-athletes, medical staff, and all others – is aware of and understands this policy,” Sankey said on Nov. 1. “Play football and stop the feigned injury nonsense.”
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In the moment, Fowler did have a suggestion as to how to avoid the fake injuries. In the case of Norman-Lott, he would not be eligible to return to the game until the Georgia drive was over.
“There’s a simple solution for this,” Fowler said. “Simple solution is — you come off like that, you’re done for the series. However long the drive lasts, you’re done. If you’re seriously hurt, you wouldn’t be able to come back anyway. If you’re not, you’re just done.”
Either way, Norman-Lott has returned to the game and is playing for Tennessee. No matter his intentions, the goal is to get out of Athens with a big-time win for the program.