‘OVER THE TOP’

ESPN Apologizes for James Carville's SEC Conspiracy Theory

Carville alleged that the Southeastern Conference was helping the University of Alabama win.

ESPN issued an apology after political commentator James Carville alleged the Southeastern Conference (SEC) was conspiring to help the University of Alabama’s football team, USA Today reports. Appearing on College GameDay, Carville, a Louisiana State University alum, outlined his conspiracy theory when he was asked about LSU linebacker Devin White’s suspension for the first 30 minutes of Saturday’s game against Alabama. “Tennessee’s best defensive player couldn’t play against Alabama because of the SEC, Missouri’s best defensive player couldn’t play against Alabama because the SEC kicked him out, A&M’s best defensive player couldn’t play against Alabama because he was taken out,” Carville said. “And now, the best defensive player in the conference is not going to play the first half for nothing, he did nothing wrong.” A few hours after Carville made his allegation, host Chris Cotter offered an apology to the head of the SEC. “While appearing as a guest on College GameDay earlier today James Carville offered his thoughts on SEC commissioner Greg Sankey,” Cotter said. “As we regularly demonstrate here on ESPN, diverse opinions are encouraged. However, his actions were over the top, and we would like to apologize to Commissioner Sankey for them.”