SEC fines Meyer $30k for criticisms
Florida, led by quarterback Tim Tebow (15) and Coach Urban Meyer, was a landslide pick for the AP's preseason No. 1 team, receiving 58 of the 60 first-place votes. It is the highest percentage (96.7) in the poll's history.
Friday, November 6, 2009
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.”
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Hogfan1509 says...
Oh gee, how is he gonna pay that? I think there is a dead rat in the SEC wall cause this thing just keeps stinking doesn't it! The price the Gators have paid for the favoritism is just unbearable isn't it!
November 6, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1Razorbacker says...
Good move Meyer. Smart. 30K to help ensure a shot at the national title. 30K to help change the perception of voters in the polls and national media. This one calculated move on your part to help you appear to join the downtrodden victims of officiating in the SEC instead of really having the path to your title cushioned by the yellow flags strewn to create that path for you. Good one!
November 6, 2009 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
1Razorbacker says...
Here's your song gator fans. "We're off to see the wizard the wonderful wizard of Oz." Sing this as you prance down the yellow flag road to the championship.
November 6, 2009 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dwp007 says...
Meyer complaining about the officials? Hehe... now, that's funny.
November 6, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Studentz says...
Just like big business. Create a new policy instead of addressing the core policy which is bias officiating. Suspending one team of officials is a start but won't solve the bigger issue... playing (officiating) favorites to generate revenue. Go Hogs! Beat S. Carolina & the refs!
November 6, 2009 at 8:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BlindHog says...
Anyone see the LSU/bama game? Mark another up for the SEC refs.
November 7, 2009 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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