KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — SEC presidents, chancellors and athletic directors discussed the league’s approach to the national anthem, including for its 10-game conference-only football season, two SEC athletic directors told USA TODAY Network.
The various leadership groups elected to maintain the SEC’s approach to not have players on the field prior to football games — a decision more about staying with instead of amending current protocol.
"Part of our responsibility is to give our student-athletes space to share their perspective on all issues, including social justice," Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Lee said. "The times we're living in certainly have shined a light on this issue.