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Published Friday, November 06, 2009 in News
SEC fines Gators' Meyer $30,000 for criticizing officials
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Urban Meyer of Florida became the first coach to be disciplined under the Southeastern Conference’s new policy regarding criticizing officials.
The league fined Meyer $30,000 on Friday, two days after he said referees missed a late hit against quarterback Tim Tebow in No. 1 Florida’s 41-17 win against Georgia. Meyer sent video of the play to the SEC office, but his mistake was telling reporters refs missed the call.
Last week, the SEC changed its policy about coaches publicly criticizing officials, making the punishment either a fine or a suspension and doing away with reprimands. The change came after Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin, Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen and Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino were reprimanded after they publicly questioned officiating.
“Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics,” SEC commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement. “SEC bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that the coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from public criticism of officials. The league’s athletics directors and presidents and chancellors have made it clear that negative public comments on officiating are not acceptable.”
Meyer apologized following the fine.
“As I stated last week, I have great respect for commissioner Mike Slive and the Southeastern Conference, and I respect this decision,” Meyer said in a statement. “There was no intent to criticize an official after being asked about a situation that occurred last Saturday, and I apologize for my remarks.”
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SEC officials like most high school official don't have a clue. it is monkey see monkey do. watch a game on sunday and see if you don't see the same calls on friday and saturday. where and who do they keep getting these guys. friday's game was a good etc. how could not throw a flag when the punter got roughed. right in front of the head official. now the SEC is going to fine anyone that
Posted by P at 8:34 PM
It's pretty clear to me that some of these SEC officials are idiots. I think he has every right to question thme.
Posted by Brad at 11:46 PM
Does anybody care ?
Posted by felix at 5:49 PM
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SEC Officiating
11/8/2009
Link To This Comment
SEC officials have made many bad calls this year affecting a lot of teams. Seems ironic that Mike Slive, the SEC Commissioner, has worked to buffer criticism of players and coaches. Perhaps his time would be better spent in training and counseling officials who need it. He has not removed the stink from the problems with some officials. Slive is doggedly arrogant. SEC leadership needs fresh minds.
Posted by Sam at 3:48 AM