Oct 18, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

The Texas A&M Aggies were fined $50,000 by the SEC after the conference found they had violated the new NCAA rule about feigning injuries during their victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks. They also issued a public reprimand of head coach Mike Elko.

The violation occurred in the fourth quarter when nickel Tyreek Chappell fell to the ground with an apparent injury after the ball was spotted with 12:55 left in the game. The National Coordinator of Football Officiating reviewed the play and determined that he was instructed to do so by a member of Texas A&M's coaching staff.

"A Texas A&M staff member can be seen in the video standing in the team area near the 25-yard line signaling demonstratively to the player, pointing to the ground. It was noted that the Texas A&M player had no contact during the play and returned to the game on the second play of the ensuing defensive possession."

The new rule states that if a defensive player goes down with an injury after the ball is spotted for the next play, his team will be charged a timeout, which is what happened to the Aggies. A second violation of the rule by Texas A&M will result in $100,000 fine and another public reprimand, and any further violations will result in Elko being suspended for the next game.

Elko released a statement disagreeing with the penalty but accepting the fine and vowing to review their "process."

"We respect the SEC's decision and understand the importance of upholding the integrity of the game," Elko said in a statement. "While we accept the ruling, we do not agree with the decision and want to be clear that we never coach or instruct our players to feign injury. Texas A&M football remains firmly committed to the highest standards of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and integrity. We'll use this as an opportunity to review our processes and ensure we continue to represent our great university and the SEC with class and accountability."

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Texas A&M fined by SEC for faking an injury

Reporting by JD McCarthy, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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