LSU’s head football coach updated the team’s injury reporting policy in an effort to combat betting-related pressure. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Louisiana State University (LSU) head football coach Brian Kelly changed the team’s injury reporting policy. Updates will now be given twice per game week, similar to the system currently in place for NFL teams. The 61-year-old outlined the aim of the move on Thursday, stressing that he wanted to issue a “proactive” response to the growing popularity of legal sports betting.
Concern about gamblers pressuring employees to release inside information
Kelly has concerns about gamblers pressuring employees to release inside information, such as player injury updates. A number of college coaches and players have come under scrutiny in recent months for shady betting activity. In one case, University of Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired for allegedly providing inside information to a bookie.
Kelly does not want the Tigers to be “the next school to go this way,” which is why the team will be more transparent about players’ injury status. The head coach has no concerns that this change in approach will mean LSU will give up a tactical advantage. Many teams try to keep injury news close to their chest in an effort to create uncertainty among the opposition.
