Steve Sarkisian faces fan criticism over views on player eligibility

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian drew criticism from fans on Monday for his comments regarding the recruitment of players directly from NFL rosters. Sarkisian characterized the practice of replacing existing college players with late arrivals from the NFL as morally wrong during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day. Critics immediately linked his stance to the recent return of Texas offensive lineman Cole Hutson to the team. Although fans labeled the coach a hypocrite, documentation confirms Hutson was never under an NFL contract and had previously spent four years in the Longhorns program. Sarkisian distinguished Hutson's situation from the broader controversy surrounding players attempting to rejoin college teams after being released from NFL organizations. The SEC continues to navigate a legal dispute regarding these eligibility rules, with a court hearing scheduled for Thursday.

• 4:35 AMYahoo Sports — ‘HYPOCRITE’ — CFB Fans Accuse Steve Sarkisian of Two-Faced Behavior as Longhorns HC Draws Moral Line in Sand Against NFL Returnees