LIVE REPORT: Shane Beamer Slams Fake Injuries, Calls for Rule Changes in College Football
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has taken a strong stance against the growing issue of players faking injuries to disrupt game momentum, calling it a “bad look for college football” and a tactic that threatens the integrity of the sport.
Beamer Sounds Off After Costly Loss
Following South Carolina’s tough 27-3 loss to Ole Miss in October 2024, Beamer didn’t hold back his frustration over what he believes is a troubling trend in the game.
“It’s fascinating to me how many injuries occur for them after the opposing offense makes a first down or has a big play,” Beamer said. He pointed out that these conveniently timed stoppages not only slow down offenses but also “present a really bad look for college football.”
While acknowledging that officials are limited in their ability to control the issue in real-time, Beamer confirmed that he plans to push for discussions with higher authorities to bring about real change.
Beamer Joins the Fight for Rule Changes
Beamer isn’t alone in his concerns. Legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been a vocal advocate for penalizing teams that engage in this practice. Saban previously suggested introducing timeouts as penalties for teams caught faking injuries, a move that would discourage teams from using the tactic as a strategic timeout.
“It absolutely does (impact the game),” Beamer reiterated in a conversation with On3’s Pete Nakos. “A team that we played this season—it’s amazing how many times they had an injury on defense after the opposing offense made a first down on an explosive play and had some momentum.”
His remarks echo a growing sentiment among coaches, with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) also making this issue a priority for rule reform.
Proposed Rule Changes and SEC Crackdown
The NCAA Football Rules Committee is currently evaluating a proposal from the AFCA that would force any player receiving medical attention on the field to sit out for the remainder of that possession. The only exceptions would be:
- If a coach burns a timeout to allow the player to return.
- If the injury is a result of a penalized hit.
Meanwhile, the SEC has already taken action to curb this issue. In November 2024, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issued a stern directive warning coaches and athletic directors against encouraging fake injuries. The conference also introduced harsh penalties for violations:
- First Offense: Public reprimand of the head coach and a $50,000 fine.
- Second Offense: Another public reprimand and a $100,000 fine.
- Third Offense: Suspension of the head coach for the team’s next game, with potential suspensions for other involved staff members.
Sankey didn’t mince words in his statement: “Play football and stop the feigned injury nonsense.”
The Future of College Football’s Integrity
With Beamer, Saban, and the AFCA leading the charge, it’s clear that pressure is mounting on the NCAA to implement meaningful rule changes. If approved, these new measures could eliminate fake injuries from the game, restoring the fast-paced action that fans and players expect.
For now, South Carolina and the rest of college football will wait to see how the rulemakers respond, but one thing is certain—coaches are tired of the theatrics, and they’re demanding change.
