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SEC fines Florida coach Meyer for critical comments

Fri 6th, November 2009

Birmingham, AL (Sports Network) - The Southeastern Conference fined Florida head football coach Urban Meyer on Friday for his critical comments about officiating.

Commissioner Mike Slive made the announcement that Meyer was fined $30,000.

"As I stated last week, I have great respect for Commissioner Mike Slive and the Southeastern Conference and I respect this decision," Meyer said. "There was no intent to criticize an official after being asked about a situation that occurred last Saturday and I apologize for my remarks."

The fine is the first since the conference voted to have all violations of SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 enforced by suspensions and fines. The rule states that coaches, assistant coaches, players, support personnel and others associated with the institution's athletics program refrain from public criticism of officials.

"Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," Slive said. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that the coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from public criticism of officials. The league's Athletics Directors and Presidents and Chancellors have made it clear that negative public comments on officiating are not acceptable."

The vote to fine and suspend any person who makes critical comments about officials came after the conference reprimanded Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen for similar infractions.