May 27, 2009

DESTIN, Fla. (AP) — SEC commissioner Mike Slive's reminder at the spring business meetings Wednesday to football coaches to stop the public verbal sparring came after another public exchange Tuesday involving Tennessee first-year coach Lane Kiffin.

South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier confronted Kiffin in front of the media after being told that Kiffin said that he has never received an apology from Spurrier after the Gamecocks coach publicly questioned whether he had passed the NCAA recruiting test before calling prospects.

Spurrier turned and saw Kiffin, who was waiting to board an elevator after a meeting of all the coaches.

“I didn’t accuse you of cheating,” Spurrier said, while pointing at Kiffin. “I said, 'Is it permissible to call recruits before he’s announced as head coach, before you take the test?” ’

Spurrier turned back to the reporters and added, “He took the test online, and I didn’t know you could do that. I thought you had to take the test on campus, then get announced.”

Kiffin, clearly embarrassed, mumbled something inaudible. When the elevator finally arrived, Kiffin, Kentucky’s Rich Brooks, Auburn’s Gene Chizik and Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino got in along with Spurrier.

Spurrier again said as the doors closed, “I didn’t say he broke the rules. I just said, ’Is it permissible to make calls?' ”