"It's like being in a courtroom": SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey clears the air on heated outburst during press conference

As the commissioner of the SEC, Greg Sankey is familiar with criticism. One of the topics that has garnered heated discussion in the college football community lately has been modifications to the College Football Playoff format. Earlier in May, it was announced that the CFP will shift to a straight seeding model. There have also been further discussions about expanding the playoff to 16 teams.

Another proposal that has been discussed at the Southeastern Conference meetings is the possibility of the SEC and Big Ten getting four automatic playoff bids. Sankey called out his critics in a press conference on Monday with a bit of an outburst.

"There’s critics all over the place," Sankey said. "So if you actually go back and do the research, that kind of format could cost us positions depending on the number of teams. I don’t see the critics actually digging in to understand that reality.

"I don’t see the critics actually analyzing, like I’ve just described, how schedules are evaluated so the critics can run to the microphones and share their opinions."

Following the outburst, Greg Sankey was on "The Paul Finebaum Show" on Wednesday and clarified what happened in the press conference.

"I'll go back to Monday. I went in, and the first set of questions were really directed at me about a CFP model that I've said repeatedly we have an interest but we're not committed," Sankey said (13:20). "I think you've seen with our coaches this week where they've had different ideas. Those have to be considered.

"There was a point in that back and forth where you try not to let your frustration level, but I needed to be more direct. There were a few editorial opinions expressed, and I simply said, 'Well, is that an editorial opinion, or are you asking me a question?' That elevated blood pressure in the room."

Greg Sankey confirms that the CFP has not settled on a format

While the College Football Playoff will shift to a straight seeding model next season, Greg Sankey spoke on Monday about the CFP not being settled on a format.

"We're not committed to any particular format," Sankey said.

Next season will stick with 12 teams and a straight seeding model. The top four teams, regardless of whether they won their conference, will earn first-round byes. While conference champions no longer get all the byes, the five highest-ranked conference champions will still earn automatic playoff berths. However, things will likely change in the coming seasons.