Paul Finebaum rips Kirby Smart for ‘below the belt’ criticism of Greg Sankey….
Paul Finebaum, a well-known sports commentator and radio host, recently voiced strong criticism of Kirby Smart, the head coach of the University of Georgia football team, following his comments about SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Finebaum called Smart’s remarks “below the belt,” specifically in reference to comments Smart made regarding Sankey’s handling of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system.
Smart, whose Georgia Bulldogs are perennial playoff contenders, had expressed dissatisfaction with the current structure of the CFP, particularly after his team’s narrow win in the SEC Championship. He questioned the fairness of the system, suggesting that it overlooked SEC dominance and undermined the league’s overall strength. In doing so, Smart appeared to subtly point fingers at Sankey, who oversees the SEC, accusing the commissioner of failing to advocate for the conference’s interests in the playoff rankings.
Finebaum took issue with these comments, arguing that Smart’s criticism was uncalled for and crossed a line. As a long-time commentator, Finebaum has seen his fair share of coaching disagreements and disputes, but he viewed Smart’s remarks as particularly egregious. He emphasized that Sankey, as the head of the SEC, has done everything in his power to promote and defend the conference on the national stage, and that Smart should be more grateful for his leadership rather than criticizing him in a public forum.
Finebaum pointed out that Sankey had successfully secured the SEC’s dominant position in college football, helping to elevate the conference to an unprecedented level of success. Under his leadership, the SEC has seen multiple national championships and a reputation for fielding some of the best teams in the country. Finebaum suggested that Smart, who benefits greatly from playing in such a competitive environment, should recognize this and refrain from questioning Sankey’s role, especially given that the SEC’s commissioner has been integral in creating the very opportunities that have allowed Georgia to thrive.
The controversy stems from the broader debate over the College Football Playoff system. Critics have argued that the CFP does not always reward the best teams, with decisions often influenced by factors other than on-field performance. Smart’s comments were a reflection of his frustration with the process, as Georgia’s chances of earning a top playoff spot sometimes seemed to hinge on subjective rankings rather than objective metrics. However, Finebaum contended that Smart’s venting about Sankey was misplaced and divisive, potentially damaging the relationship between coaches and their governing body.
For Finebaum, this was not just about a disagreement over playoff rankings; it was about respect and professionalism. He urged Smart to consider the broader context of Sankey’s leadership and the success the SEC has enjoyed under his guidance. The conflict, according to Finebaum, was a poor look for Smart and an unnecessary distraction from what should be a focus on Georgia’s championship aspirations.
In the end, Finebaum’s comments about Smart’s “below the belt” critique reflect a larger conversation about leadership, respect, and the complexities of navigating the college football landscape. As the SEC continues to dominate college football, Finebaum emphasized that everyone, from coaches to players, should be mindful of the contributions that figures like Greg Sankey have made to the sport’s current state.