Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs raved about Sankey's integrity, saying he is "the most intelligent athletic administrator I know" and "the perfect person to lead the Southeastern Conference."
"Greg Sankey has a wealth of experience in college athletics and a better knowledge of the NCAA policies and procedures than anyone in our profession," Jacobs said in a text message to The Associated Press. "He has been a tremendous resource for the SEC member institutions when we have navigated through complex issues on campus and at the conference and national level."
Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan also was enthusiastic about the choice of the SEC's next commissioner.
"I think it was a great hire," Donovan said after his Gators beat Alabama at the SEC tournament.
"I think he's really smart. I think he's bright. I think he gets the big picture. He's been involved in a lot of different committees," Donovan said. "I think he has a really good pulse on the NCAA. I think he has a really good pulse on where college athletics are going. ... I really believe they hired a great guy."
Said Tennessee AD Dave Hart: "Greg will provide the leadership necessary to continue the remarkable level of success the conference has enjoyed during Mike's tenure. Greg is widely respected throughout our league and within NCAA circles."
Sankey, a native of upstate New York who has run more than 40 marathons, has helped the SEC reshape its governance, enforcement and compliance program. He is active within the NCAA committee structure, which includes his current service on the Division I Legislative Council, Committee on Academic Performance and the NCAA Committee on Infractions, for which he currently serves as chairman.
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