Coaches and players aren’t accustomed to talking about sports betting at press conferences. It’s just not something they’re supposed to think or care about in regards to their own seasons. However, they might want to get ready.
The proliferation of legal betting is making discussions around spreads, lines and odds less taboo, and the conversation infiltrated Arkansas head football coach Sam Pittman’s podium session at SEC Media Day on Wednesday.
Before getting to his question, a reporter wanted to thank Pittman for his 16-6 record against the spread. Completely caught off guard, Pittman gave one of the most hilariously dry “go Hogs” possible.
Reporter: "You're 16-6 against the spread so I wanted to say thank you."
Sam Pittman: "Go Hogs"
This interaction at SEC Media Day 😂 pic.twitter.com/7qD9K0QUQD
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) July 20, 2022
Pittman’s record against the spread was a baffling thing to bring up in that moment, but watching the full interaction, it did get a smile out of the coach and everyone else in the room. And the reporter’s actual question wasn’t necessarily related to betting. It was about how tough Arkansas’ schedule is and whether that was intentional.
We do have to give the reporter — Chris Marler from Saturday Down South — credit for one thing: now we know to keep an eye on Arkansas’ spread this season.
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