Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze handles SEC Media Days amid NCAA query
An offseason filled with drama and reports on the NCAA investigation at Ole Miss once again came to a head for head coach Hugh Freeze.
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With seemingly the world against him and his football team, Hugh Freeze took to the main podium at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Alabama, Thursday morning.
Freeze knew what he would be in for and it was exactly what he expected. Questions focused on the investigation into the Ole Miss program and less about the promising season ahead for the Rebels.
Freeze stated that he had no updates to give in the NCAA case or any timetable for a resolution in the case;
#OleMiss head coach Hugh Freeze was asked early about the NCAA investigation. His response: pic.twitter.com/SIN4qgJmYS
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) July 14, 2016
Ole Miss’s response to the NCAA notice of allegations is all that anyone has heard about where the Rebels stand or view themselves in this case. Until the NCAA releases its penalties to the program, there will not be any other information that Freeze or Ole Miss Athletic Director Ross Bjork can give on the case.
Freeze was also asked about how he handles the outside noise and preparing for the upcoming season;
Strong answer from Hugh Freeze when asked how to prevent NCAA stuff from becoming a distraction: pic.twitter.com/cr9kLeZP1S
— Ben Garrett (@SpiritBen) July 14, 2016
Freeze provided injury updates to a few key Rebels including Tony Conner, Fadol Brown,and Robert Conyers. As well as Chad Kelly’s offseason sports hernia surgery. All of the updates seemed to be positive for the Rebels.
Freeze was also asked about Laremy Tunsil and the drama that ensued from NFL Draft night in April, but since that is part of an ongoing investigation, Freeze was unable to provide comments.
Regardless of people’s opinions of Ole Miss or Hugh Freeze, there is no doubt that Freeze owns the mistakes that have been made. He will even be the first to tell anyone that. Freeze took the stage and handled it better than could’ve been expected, better than other coaches handled tough topics and questions early in the week.
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The dust has yet to clear in the investigation into the Ole Miss program but Freeze is keeping his head held high and is looking forward to the end of the investigation. Next up, fall camp and then it is on to Florida State for Ole Miss.