SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey ditches formal attire during Media Days in honor of Mike Leach

Commissioner Greg Sankey appeared to take an off-the-cuff method to this 12 months’s SEC Football Kickoff Media Days, however the lack of formal apparel throughout Monday’s opening day wasn’t only a private alternative.

Sankey revealed that the choice to not put on a tie was meant as a technique to honor former Mississippi State football coach Mike Leachwho died in December following issues from a coronary heart situation.

He was 61.

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“Final 12 months in Atlanta, certainly one of my backstage conversations was in regards to the uselessness of neckties. It was a dialog that went for much longer than I anticipated and ended within the rhetorical query of why neckties survived however powdered wigs went away,” Sankey stated as the gang chuckled in response.

“That dialog was with Mike Leach and right now I’m with out a tie simply to honor Mike’s reminiscence.”

Head Coach Mike Leach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs arrives on the stadium earlier than a recreation in opposition to the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Nov. 6, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Photos)

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“It’s essential that we keep in mind individuals who have contributed, be it for the quick time period or the long run, to this excellent convention. And we’re going to overlook Mike, however he’s not going to be forgotten.”

​​In 21 seasons as a head coach at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State, Leach went 158-107. Six of the 20 finest passing seasons in main school soccer historical past had been by quarterbacks who performed for Leach, together with 4 of the highest six.

Sep 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA;  Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach seems to be on in opposition to the LSU Tigers through the first half at Tiger Stadium. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports activities)

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“We misplaced Mike in December, an individual essential not merely to the Southeastern Conference — we solely had him for a number of seasons, however to all of school soccer,” Sankey continued. “He was fascinating and impacted all the lives of 1000’s of individuals throughout the faculty soccer spectrum and throughout his life.”

The Related Press contributed to this report.