SEC Fines Urban Meyer The Equivalent of .62 Cents a Day For Comments

Urban Meyer was fined $30,000 on Friday for violating SEC bylaw 10.5.4 when he publicly criticized an official for missing what Meyer felt should have been a personal foul on Georgia player Nick Williams for a late hit on star quarterback Tim Tebow. SEC commissioner Mike Slive said, "Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference code of ethics. 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 SEC has been under public scrutiny this year because officials have made some highly controversial calls and non-calls. Recently, the league beefed up bylaw 10.5.4 to include fines and suspensions for league coaches who publicly criticize officials. Meyer was the first to be fined under the new discipline guidelines, although he wasn't the first coach to complain ... (link)