SEC fines Kentucky coach Mark Pope for criticizing officials after loss to Auburn
CBS Sports
by
Will Backus
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The SEC has fined Kentucky coach Mark Pope $25,000 and issued a public reprimand after he criticized officials following his team's Feb. 21 loss to Auburn. The incident occurred during a post-game press conference when Pope expressed frustration over an offensive foul called on Collin Chandler with 14 seconds left, which led to Auburn's last-second victory. While Pope initially downplayed the referees' role in the game,私下 comments caught by reporters revealed his不满with the officiating.
During the press conference, Pope was asked about the foul but avoided directly criticizing the officials. He stated, "We're not allowed to talk about the referees," and emphasized that the loss was due to Kentucky's own mistakes rather than external factors. However, a conversation between Pope and Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart revealed his true sentiments. Pope remarked, "If those MFers try to fine me, screw them," referring to the officials. These comments were recorded by reporters and later brought to light.
The loss to Auburn was part of a challenging stretch for Kentucky, marking their third consecutive defeat. Two of these losses came against ranked opponents, further complicating their position in the SEC standings. With just over two weeks until the SEC Tournament, the Wildcats are tied for sixth place with an 8-6 conference record. Despite this, Pope remains focused on leading his team forward, with an upcoming game against South Carolina.
This incident highlights the high stakes of college basketball coaching, where public comments about officiating can lead to significant consequences. For sports fans and readers interested in coach behavior and its impact on team dynamics, this story underscores the delicate balance coaches must maintain between expressing frustration and avoiding costly repercussions. The outcome also raises questions about how officials handle criticism and the broader implications for fair play in collegiate athletics.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026