Kentucky coach Mark Pope fined by SEC for postgame comments - ESPN

ESPN

by Myron Medcalf

February 24, 2026

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The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has fined Kentucky men's basketball coach Mark Pope $25,000 for his postgame conduct and comments following a 75-74 loss to Auburn on February 21. The fine was issued after Pope criticized the officiating during a heated conversation with Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart as he left the postgame podium. The SEC stated that Pope violated its sportsmanship bylaw (10.5.3) and commissioner's regulations regarding public criticism of officials, which prohibit such comments about officiating. The game was a closely contested matchup that ended in controversy. With 1.1 seconds left, Elyjah Freeman's tip-in gave Auburn the win after a controversial call on Collin Chandler for pushing off an Auburn player during an inbound pass with 14 seconds remaining. Following the loss, Pope expressed his frustration but emphasized his team's commitment to staying focused despite external pressures. "We refuse to give control to people outside our program," he said, reiterating their determination not to let distractions impact their performance. The SEC's decision highlights its strict stance on sportsmanship and respect for officials. This incident comes during a challenging stretch for Kentucky, which has lost three games in a row despite having one of the most expensive rosters in college basketball. The team is currently preparing for Selection Sunday, with only weeks left until the NCAA tournament. Pope's comments, while passionate, crossed the line into public criticism of officials, which the SEC deems unacceptable. This fine serves as a reminder to coaches and programs across the conference to uphold standards of sportsmanship, even in high

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/24/2026