The Southeastern Conference fined Florida
head football coach Urban Meyer on Friday for his critical comments about
officiating.
Commissioner Mike Slive made the announcement that Meyer was fined $30,000.
"As I stated last week, I have great respect for Commissioner Mike Slive and
the Southeastern Conference and I respect this decision," Meyer said. "There
was no intent to criticize an official after being asked about a situation
that occurred last Saturday and I apologize for my remarks."
The fine is the first since the conference voted to have all violations of SEC
Bylaw 10.5.4 enforced by suspensions and fines. The rule states that coaches,
assistant coaches, players, support personnel and others associated with the
institution's athletics program refrain from public criticism of officials.
"Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," Slive
said. "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."
The vote to fine and suspend any person who makes critical comments about
officials came after the conference reprimanded Tennessee head coach Lane
Kiffin and Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen for similar infractions.
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