Urban Meyer Fined $30,000
November 6, 2009 by Mat Houchens
Filed under Urban Meyer
SEC Commissioner Mike Slive has hit Urban Meyer with a $30,000 fine for his public comments on Wednesday concerning officiating. This is the first fine under the SEC’s new policy concerning criticizing officials.
“Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics,” Slive said, in announcing the fine. “SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that the coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from public criticism of officials.”
The comment was made on the weekly teleconference between coaches. When asked his opinion on it:
“I’m not sure I can share that. I don’t want to step out of line on that,” Meyer said. “It should have been a penalty, in my opinion. You’ve got to protect quarterbacks. That’s the whole purpose. It’s right in front of the referee.”
Slive had the option of suspension or fining and chose the fine. Meyer apologized for his remarks and had this to say:
“I’m not sure I can share that. I don’t want to step out of line on that,” Meyer said. “It should have been a penalty, in my opinion. You’ve got to protect quarterbacks. That’s the whole purpose. It’s right in front of the referee.”
It wasn’t until last week with Lane Kiffin and Dan Mullen that the athletic directors voted unanimously to enforce this bylaw 10.5.4 which results with fines or suspensions.
