Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham says he would ‘100%’ support mandatory injury reports

TEMPE — The Big 12 may be the next conference to implement mandatory injury reports, as Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham and Utah coach Kyle Whittingham have voiced their support for the change.

The Big Ten and SEC already have mandated injury reports as the two premier football conferences.

The Big Ten was first to the party, directing its football teams to provide transparency ahead of the 2023 season. The SEC followed suit ahead of this year, adding that basketball and baseball programs must do so as well.

Dillingham and Whittingham both said this week they would “100%” support an injury report mandated by the Big 12.

Without such a policy in place, Whittingham has provided vague updates for weeks on quarterback Cam Rising, who suffered a finger injury while crashing into Gatorade jugs on the sideline during Utah’s Week 2 win over Baylor. True freshman Isaac Wilson has filled in since.

“Since there is no mandate, why would you tip your hand in any way, shape or form?” Whittingham told reporters Monday. “It doesn’t make sense to give your opponent any more knowledge than they have.”

Dillingham said he understands why Whittingham wouldn’t show his cards, noting that quarterback availability can impact a game-plan in a way other positions can’t.

“I actually think he’s smart not releasing (information) when your quarterback is in limbo,” he said. “I think with the current rules that there are … I think he’s spot on. Why would he not make us prepare for both? He’s absolutely right until they change the rule.”

Dillingham pointed to his own similar situation a year ago in which he withheld information regarding Jaden Rashada.

Without an injury report, Dillingham said Monday the Sun Devils are left preparing for both Utah quarterbacks.

DT Tristan Monday quits football team, Dillingham says

On Wednesday, Dillingham said defensive tackle Tristan Monday, a Scottsdale Saguaro alum, approached him Sunday about quitting the football team to focus on school.

Monday does not have a redshirt to utilize and will transfer when the December window opens, the coach added.

Dillingham said he does not expect the loss to have an impact on the team.

Monday took 17 defensive snaps over the Sun Devils’ first two games and has not played on defense since, according to PFF. He was on kick return coverage in each game.

He transferred from Wisconsin before the 2023 season, coming back to the Valley during Dillingham’s first offseason at the helm.

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