Ole Miss releases statement on “feigned injuries”

The Ole Miss football program is aware that the Rebels are a topic in discussions about fake injuries.

There has been ongoing debate this season about players faking or exaggerating injuries and the resulting advantage. For defenses facing a strong, fast offense, a well-timed scramble can be helpful. Injury timeouts can slow down offenses at inopportune times and allow defenses to reset.

They can also grant the same benefit to a misdemeanor.

Ahead of a big game at LSU on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC), Ole Miss addressed the topic in a Friday press release.

“Fake injuries have become an important issue in college football, and we recognize that our program has been part of that discussion,” the release said. “We have communicated with the National Coordinator of Football Officials and provided relevant medical information for his review to answer questions regarding recent injuries. We have also updated the SEC office and our head coach will communicate with our coaches and players to ensure we are acting properly and compliantly in this matter.”

Ole Miss drew criticism online for triggering 11 injury stoppages in Week 6 against South Carolina. Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer also seemed skeptical about the developments. The Rebels were also criticized for similar behavior when they hosted Kentucky.

Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at [email protected] or reach him at @Sam_Hutchens_

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Ole Miss football addresses ‘fake injuries.’