Mark Pope fined by SEC for ‘post-game actions and comments’ following Auburn loss
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Mark Pope has been fined $25,000 by the SEC for his “post-game actions and comments” following Kentucky’s 75-74 loss at Auburn on Saturday. According to a release from the conference on Tuesday, Pope, “violated SEC Bylaw 10.5.3 (Sportsmanship) and the SEC Commissioner’s Regulation regarding Public Criticism of Officials.”
The officiating crew drew Pope’s ire following a late-game, crucial call on Collin Chandler, which gave Auburn possession with just a few seconds remaining in the game. Kentucky went from up 1 with the ball and an expiring shot clock to down 1 with 1.1 seconds remaining. Auburn’s Elyjah Freeman flew in and put the game-winning shot in the basket on the ensuing possession.
Kentucky’s head coach opted to voice his frustration with officiating in an interesting way. When asked about the call in the media room, Pope insisted, “We’re not allowed to talk about the referees, but you guys saw it, and I think sometimes it’s just super personal.”
That comment alone may violate the SEC Bylaw, but Pope left little doubt just a few moments later. Pope made another comment regarding officials to AD Mitch Barnhart after leaving the media room, loudly and definitely within media earshot. Specifically, Pope said, “Mitch, if those MFers try to fine me, screw’ em. I did not say a word about how they cheated us.”
Yeah, that’ll do it.
Kentucky basketball will be back in action Tuesday night, facing off against South Carolina. The Wildcats are considerable favorites to win tonight’s game, via Kalshi.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
