SEC announces fine for Kentucky's Mark Pope hot mic moment after Auburn loss

The Southeastern Conference has fined Kentucky coach Mark Pope $25,000 and issued a public reprimand for postgame comments and conduct related to officiating following the Wildcats’ 75-74 loss at Auburn University on Saturday night.

The SEC announced Tuesday that Pope’s remarks violated SEC Bylaw 10.5.3 (Sportsmanship) and the league’s commissioner’s regulation regarding public criticism of officials. Those policies prohibit coaches, players and institutional staff from publicly criticizing officials or disclosing officiating-related communications.

Pope’s comments stemmed from a pivotal sequence in the final seconds. With Kentucky leading 74-73 and 14 seconds remaining, guard Collin Chandler was called for an offensive foul after pushing off Auburn defender Kevin Overton on an inbounds play. The turnover gave Auburn possession, and the Tigers capitalized with the game-winning basket.

The SEC has fined Kentucky's Mark Pope $25,000 for post-game conduct and comments related to officiating following Saturday's game at Auburn, per release.

“Well, we’re not allowed to talk about the referees,” Pope said after the game. “But you guys saw it, and I think sometimes it’s just super personal. So, I’m not allowed to comment on the referees and I won’t comment on the referees. It’s unfortunate. It’s just unfortunate. It didn’t cost us the game because we’re in control of the game, but we’ll find ways to go win.”

Following the press conference, Pope was caught on a hot mic criticizing the officiating while speaking to Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart.

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“Mitch, if those Mother------- try to fine me, they can’t,” he said. “I didn’t say a word about how they cheated us.”

According to the SEC release, public criticism includes comments about calls or no-calls, accusations of bias, and implied or indirect criticism of officials.

The loss marked Kentucky’s third consecutive SEC defeat, its first three-game league skid since the 2020-21 season.

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