SEC claps back against Kentucky’s Mark Pope after comments on controversial loss to Auburn
Kentucky’s head coach was none too pleased with the officiating, and it cost him.
It’s often rich to hear Kentucky complain about officiating. After all, it seems like the whistle comes awfully fast inside Rupp Arena when Tennessee, Florida, or just about anybody else is battling the Wildcats on the road. The term that’s been coined “Ruparees” isn’t without a perceived basis by many.
But, in perhaps a turn of fate, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope was particularly displeased with the officiating following Kentucky’s 75-74 last second loss to the Auburn Tigers last weekend. With Kentucky up 74-73 with 14 seconds left, Kentucky’s Collin Chandler was called for an offensive foul that gave Auburn the ball back. After a miss, Auburn’s Elyjah Freeman made a put back with one second left for the win.
After the game, Pope made his feelings clear on the officiating.
“We’re not allowed to talk about the referees, but you guys saw it, and I think sometimes it’s just super personal,” Pope said during his postgame press conference when asked about his reaction to the call. “So, I’m not allowed to comment on the referees. I won’t comment on the referees. It’s unfortunate. It’s just unfortunate. It didn’t cost us the game. We’re in control of the game, so we’ll find ways to go win.”
However, he was also caught on a hot mic with some additional comments after he left the table.
“Mitch, if those mother-effers try to fine me, screw them. I did not say a word about how they cheated us.”
On Tuesday, the SEC fined Pope $25,000 for his comments.
Kentucky’s Mark Pope fined $25,000 for his comments criticizing the officiating in Kentucky’s loss to Auburn
“University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope has been issued a public reprimand and fined $25,000 by the Southeastern Conference for post-game conduct and comments related to officiating following the Wildcats’ game at Auburn University on February 21,” the SEC announced in a statement.
“The comments violated SEC Bylaw 10.5.3 (Sportsmanship) and the SEC Commissioner’s Regulation regarding Public Criticism of Officials, which prohibit coaches, student-athletes and institutional staff from publicly criticizing officials or disclosing officiating-related communications.”
The loss to Auburn is Kentucky’s third straight since beating the Vols 74-71 in Lexington on February 7. Once solid for the NCAA Tournament and in position for a double bye in the SEC Tournament, the Wildcats are sliding towards the tourney bubble, and at 8-6 in SEC play, they’re now two games behind Tennessee in the SEC standings. The Vols are tied with Alabama, Arkansas, and Alabama for seeds 2-4 and double byes.
As such, it’s not hard to understand why Pope is perhaps feeling a bit of extra pressure, particularly after feeling like he got hosed by the officiating against the Tigers. But you can’t speak up, or the conference is going to come down on you 10 out of 10 times.
We’ll see if the Wildcats keep their season from totally slipping away on Tuesday night at South Carolina, who’s currently next to last in the SEC standings.
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