Sam Leavitt injury update sparks Stephen A. Smith criticism as Lane Kiffin faces questions before LSU Ole Miss clash
Smith made his comments on ESPN on September 18 after LSU changed Leavitt’s status. 8 Ole Miss. The Washington Post reported that the league defines doubtful as about a 25% chance of playing and questionable as about a 50% chance. Teams can face penalties of $25,000 to $100,000 for inaccurate or late football reports.
Leavitt missed Wednesday because of back spasms and returned to the field Thursday, according to Reuters. Smith’s criticism is therefore based on his reading of the situation, not proof that LSU broke the conference’s reporting rules. The SEC report does not confirm that he will start, while Kiffin has not publicly revealed the full details of his condition.
“I knew Lane Kiffin was lying his a** off when he was talking about Sam Leavitt being doubtful,” Smith said. “We don’t even know the injury, for crying out loud,” Smith said. Stephen A. Smith is questioning Lane Kiffin’s handling of Sam Leavitt’s injury status ahead of LSU’s huge matchup with Ole Miss. LSU first listed its starting quarterback as doubtful, then moved him to questionable after he returned to practice Thursday. The SEC has strict availability rules, making the sudden change an important part of the story. “We knew that was going to get upgraded. Just stop it. I mean, this man ain’t missing this game. He’s going to play in this game. We still haven’t even learned what he was doubtful over. The situation began Wednesday, when LSU listed Leavitt as doubtful for Saturday’s game against No. He had not practiced that day, but LSU did not publicly give a specific injury at the time. Smith also questioned why Kiffin did not discuss Leavitt’s condition during his regular media appearances. “So, that’s it. And then he does his hour-long radio show. Doesn’t even mention the quarterback. When the hell has that happened? When have you seen a coach do an hour-long show and not once mention their quarterback? The SEC requires teams to submit player availability reports during conference game weeks. For now, Leavitt remains questionable rather than ruled out.
Smith believes Leavitt will play and called Kiffin’s earlier comments misleading.