GAINESVILLE, Fla. — 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."
Since coach after coach in the SEC has had to complain about the officiating, maybe the SEC should take that $30,000 fine money and buy eyeglasses for the refs.
Amen, salsa. The coaches aren't the problem.
I have been watching football for more years than I wish tell, and I have never seen so many blatent calls ( or missed calls ) in 45 + years. Someone had better address this situation before people start questioning... Is the zebra in the bag this week? Older fans probably know what I am referring to.
Sorry. I should have said " so many blatently missed calls."
Why should game officials be immune from criticism when they make so many bad calls.Players are criticized, coaches are criticized, fans are criticized. Who put officials on pedestals and why? Entirely too often they stink and in too many games bad calls affect the outcome.
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