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UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference spring meetings will be held in person for the first time since 2019 in a little less than two weeks. It is unlikely two of the SEC’s superstar coaches will be chumming around Destin, Florida, together. Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher called Nick Saban a “narcissist” on Thursday after the Alabama coach accused the rival Aggies of using name, image and likeness deals to land their top-ranked recruiting classes. Saban apologized a few hours later but generally stuck to his stance and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey followed soon after with a public reprimand for both. So much for a quiet offseason.

UNDATED (AP) — Why did they wait so long to allow college athletes to make a few bucks on the side? Think of all the wildly entertaining shenanigans we’ve missed out on over the years. Jimbo Fisher is downright livid at former boss Nick Saban for saying the Texas A&M coach bought himself the best recruiting class in the country. All because of the free-for-all in college athletics known as Name, Image and Likeness. And just think — these guys will be lining up across from each other on Oct. 8, when Saban’s Crimson Tide hosts Fisher’s Aggies. Let’s play the feud!

CHICAGO (AP) — TyTy Washington Jr. says he gained invaluable experience playing at Kentucky this past season. He’s banking on what he learned at the college level to help him make the jump to the NBA. The college game can offer opportunities that aren’t available through other avenues, with the exposure through TV deals and the NCAA Tournament and all that comes with it. The burgeoning name, image and likeness chances that were created last year when the NCAA’s Board of Directors cleared the way for college athletes to start earning money without endangering their eligibility or putting their schools in jeopardy of rules of violations are another incentive for top prospects. Options remain overseas and in the G League Ignite. A new league called Overtime Elite is another path.

UNDATED (AP) — The Pac-12 is scrapping its divisional format for the upcoming college football season. The Pac-12 will now match the teams with the highest conference winning percentages in its title game after 11 seasons of matching winners of the North and South divisions. Other conferences are expected to follow. The moves come after NCAA official threw out requirements dictating how conferences can determine their champions.

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