SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – The Pac-12 Conference has fined Southern California athletic director Pat Haden $25,000 for coming down to the field at Stanford Stadium on Saturday and confronting game officials.
Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement Monday that Haden’s conduct was inappropriate. Scott says “such actions by an administrator in attempt to influence the officiating, and ultimately the outcome of a contest, will not be tolerated.”
Haden, who is also a member of the new College Football Playoff committee, jogged onto the field after getting a text message from a member of USC’s staff during the Trojans’ 13-10 win over Stanford. He held an animated discussion with officials on the sideline between the third and fourth quarters.
USC coach Steve Sarkisian said he had requested Haden’s presence on the sideline. Haden and Sarkisian apologized for their actions Sunday.