Sankey said on an appearance on “The Opening Kickoff” that criticism of Freeze has been “misplaced.” “It’s healthy for me to go outside and play golf,” Sankey said. “I think the criticism (of Freeze) is misplaced.” Sankey recalled a conversation he once had with former Florida and South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.

Greg Sankey called the criticism golf narrative following Auburn coach Hugh Freeze “misplaced.” The SEC commissioner, who joined “The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5, talked about the balance needed in the lives of his football coaches.

Hugh Freeze Fires Back at Golf Criticism Amid Auburn’s Recruiting Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Hugh Freeze-led Auburn Tigers currently hold the country’s 78th-ranked 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.