Lane Kiffin is known for speaking his mind during press conferences, regardless of the target. This time, it was Coca-Cola that found itself in the crosshairs as the iconic red label on SEC podiums caught the eye of the Ole Miss head coach.
How long before Coca-Cola pulls its endorsement of Lane Kiffin's press conferences?
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) August 19, 2024
“Does anybody drink Coke?” Kiffin asked as he came to the end of his press conference. “You realize that 130 percent of your sugar for the entire day is in this one bottle….65 grams of sugar.”
During a back and forth with a reporter on the topic, Kiffin said that it had been a very long time since he enjoyed the famous beverage before pointing out ESPN’s Chris Low in the crowd and saying that he drinks Coke along with a chuckle.
An awkward silence followed before Kiffin wrapped up the press conference with, “Alright, see you guys” before walking off.
Nick Saban didn’t necessarily strike anyone as someone who was chugging soda either, despite the bottle always being with him on the podium — but he didn’t say a negative word about one of the conference’s biggest sponsors at any point.
Perhaps Kiffin’s former mentor needs to give him a call before the SEC is forced to switch to Pepsi.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
