SEC commish to coaches: Don’t criticize refs

A day after Kentucky’s victory over Mississippi State Tuesday night generated comment about the officiating, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive reminded league coaches, school presidents and athletic officials to not publicly criticize refs.

In a memorandum dated Feb. 17, Slive told coaches and other that “there are proper channels available for head coaches to use when communicating officiating concerns to the Conference office.”

Slive advised coaches of  his powers of suspension and fine for violations of Bylaw 10.5.4. He also said that critical comments made by assistant coaches and other support personnel will be enforced against the head coach.

After Mississippi State took a 67-60 lead with three minutes left in regulation, the referees called 10 fouls on Mississippi State and none on Kentucky.

In his post-game news conference, State Coach Rick Stansbury used humor to express his displeasure with the officiating. He asked a reporter at one juncture if the reporter would pay half the fine imposed for criticizing officials.

On Wednesday evening, Associate SEC Commissioner Charles Bloom said that the league did not plan to reprimand or fine Stansbury nor the referees who worked the Kentucky-Mississippi State game.